Module Information

Module Identifier
PH05700
Module Title
Introduction to Laboratory for Physicists and Engineers
Academic Year
2025/2026
Co-ordinator
Dr Anita Brady-Boyd
Semester
Semester 1 (Taught over 2 semesters)
Pre-Requisite
GCSE Mathematics and Science or equivalent
Exclusive (Any Acad Year)
FG05720 Not available to students on a 3-year Bachelor's scheme or on an Integrated Master's scheme
Other Staff
 

Course Delivery

 

Assessment

Assessment Type Assessment length / details Proportion
Semester Assessment Written Formal Report  20%
Semester Assessment Oral Presentation  20%
Semester Assessment Written Laboratory Diary  60%
Supplementary Assessment Supplementary assessment  As determined by the departmental examination board  100%

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this module students should be able to:

1. Perform simple experiments in the physical sciences.

2. Perform basic error analysis to measurements.

3. Draw appropriate conclusions from results.

4. Present and analyse work in a laboratory diary.

5. Describe work in a formal report.

6. Discuss work in an oral presentation.

Brief description

This laboratory module gives an introduction to experimental practice in the physical sciences. Emphasis is placed on the training of students to use basic instruments, perform simple error calculations and critically assess results in order to draw reliable conclusions. Experiments are designed to reflect theoretical topics covered in other modules - hence include experiments covering properties of matter, forces, mechanics, electricity, magnetism and electronics. Presentational skills are developed in the context of experiments.

Content

The module comprises a set of experiments from different areas including: oscillations, waves, thermal physics, electricity, magnetism and electronics, which students carry out in rotation.

For presentation of the work each student is expected to keep a Laboratory Diary noting the detailed progress of each experiment, prepare a formal report on a specified experiment and deliver an oral presentation.

Module Skills

Skills Type Skills details
Application of Number Mathematical skills are central to the understanding and application of the underlying theory. Recording of data whilst performing experiments. Application of basic error analysis to measurements. Assessed via laboratory diaries and formal report.
Communication Recording of experiments using a laboratory diary. Working together in small groups to perform experiments. Communicating results through formal report and oral presentation.
Improving own Learning and Performance Critical thinking and reflection of how well an experiment was performed and how it could be improved.
Information Technology Delivery of a formal report using word processing software. Delivery of oral presentation using PowerPoint or equivalent. Use of basic experimental equipment.
Problem solving Students are encouraged to work through experiments and propose methods and solutions.
Research skills Formal report requires background research and rudimentary referencing skills.
Subject Specific Skills Application of basic fundamental theory in the physical sciences to experimental methods.
Team work Students are required to work in small groups for each practical experiment.

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 3