Module Information
Module Identifier
PH15030
Module Title
Laboratory Techniques for Experimental Physicists and Engineers (30 Credits)
Academic Year
2025/2026
Co-ordinator
Semester
Semester 1 (Taught over 2 semesters)
Pre-Requisite
A Level Physics and Mathematics or equivalent
Exclusive (Any Acad Year)
Course Delivery
Assessment
| Assessment Type | Assessment length / details | Proportion |
|---|---|---|
| Semester Assessment | Oral presentation 10 Minutes | 15% |
| Semester Assessment | Portfolio of Laboratory Diaries Written Lab Diaries. The students are assessed on the quality of note-taking during a set experiment. Each experiment is unique, and the length of words required is different. The minimum is 200 words per experiment. 500 Words | 60% |
| Semester Assessment | 4 Hours Careers workshop | 10% |
| Semester Assessment | Formal report Written Lab Report on a set experiment. 1000 Words | 15% |
| Supplementary Assessment | 8 Hours Supplementary assessment As determined by the Departmental Examination Board. | 100% |
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this module students should be able to:
Demonstrate practical competence and accuracy in carrying out experimental procedures including measurement, use of scientific instruments and recording of results
Produce a clear word-processed scientific report including theoretical background, experimental description, presentation and analysis of results, and interpretation and evaluation.
Discuss work in an oral presentation.
Identify types of uncertainties in an experiment and determine error propagation.
Analyse data using a spreadsheet to perform calculations.
Demonstrate the ability to work with others in a considerate and co-operative way, respecting and acknowledging the intellectual property of others. Recognise diversity, ethics and sustainability in the physical sciences.
Participate in a careers skills workshop; produce a CV and participate in a mock assessment centre activity.
Brief description
Experimentation is a fundamental part of the physical sciences process. It allows us to understand the world around us, to develop theories and to test those theories. In this module you will learn the basic techniques of performing experiments, taking measurements, accounting for uncertainty in your measurements, analysing results and comparing them with theory.
The experimental modules of the degree schemes are arranged so that students progress from following a set of detailed instructions performing simple experiments at the outset, to researching a topic and devising their own experiments and investigations in their final year projects.
This module will introduce undergraduates to laboratory practice in key areas of the physical sciences, which can be used to understand the world around us. Emphasis is placed on the accuracy of note-taking. Undergraduates will be expected to keep a laboratory diary while conducting the experiments. In addition to the notes kept in the diary, students will be expected to write up one of the experiments as a formal report and deliver one as a presentation. Students will be introduced to methods of capturing and presenting data using electronic devices and computer packages. Within the module, employability skills will be emphasised by the university Careers Service, with tailored sessions on careers, transferable skills and preparation for employment or further study.
The experimental modules of the degree schemes are arranged so that students progress from following a set of detailed instructions performing simple experiments at the outset, to researching a topic and devising their own experiments and investigations in their final year projects.
This module will introduce undergraduates to laboratory practice in key areas of the physical sciences, which can be used to understand the world around us. Emphasis is placed on the accuracy of note-taking. Undergraduates will be expected to keep a laboratory diary while conducting the experiments. In addition to the notes kept in the diary, students will be expected to write up one of the experiments as a formal report and deliver one as a presentation. Students will be introduced to methods of capturing and presenting data using electronic devices and computer packages. Within the module, employability skills will be emphasised by the university Careers Service, with tailored sessions on careers, transferable skills and preparation for employment or further study.
Content
The experiments are based on core topics in the physical sciences, covering key areas through practical investigation.
Accurately document experimental procedures, observations, and results in a structured laboratory diary.
Basic error analysis.
Digital data collection and analysis using spreadsheets.
Preparation of a formal scientific report using a word-processing package.
Preparation of a scientific presentation using a presentation package.
Skills and careers awareness programme by the Careers Service.
Accurately document experimental procedures, observations, and results in a structured laboratory diary.
Basic error analysis.
Digital data collection and analysis using spreadsheets.
Preparation of a formal scientific report using a word-processing package.
Preparation of a scientific presentation using a presentation package.
Skills and careers awareness programme by the Careers Service.
Module Skills
| Skills Type | Skills details |
|---|---|
| Co-ordinating with others | Students will generally do experiments in groups of two, and we would encourage co-operation in the solution of modelling problems. Students will work together in the careers workshop. |
| Critical and analytical thinking | Students will apply problem solving techniques in the course of experimentation and in the handling of data arising from experiments. |
| Digital capability | Students will become familiar with, and produce work with, appropriate software packages. Modern data analysis is dependent on the use of computers. In some experiments, students use a computer package to analyse data and will be expected to word-process a lab report. |
| Professional communication | Students will produce a word-processed formal report, making use of data analysis and presentation using appropriate software packages. Students will produce a short presentation of an experiment using appropriate software. |
| Real world sense | Students will produce a CV and participate in an assessment centre style workshop. |
| Reflection | Each week the feedback provided for the lab diaries encourages the students to improve their note-taking and reflect on their work. |
| Subject Specific Skills | Use of specific equipment. Performance of experiments. Writing scientific method. Analysis of experimental uncertainty. Students will keep laboratory diaries and write reports on experiments. Students will work in pairs and small groups, discussing their experimental findings. In essence, the physical sciences are based on the use of mathematics and experimental measurements. Application of number is a central part of this module. |
Notes
This module is at CQFW Level 4