Module Information
Module Identifier
PH15510
Module Title
Laboratory Techniques for Experimental Physics (10 Credits)
Academic Year
2025/2026
Co-ordinator
Semester
Semester 1
Also available in
Pre-Requisite
Registration on degree scheme: Physics Joint Hons, Major (Physics)/ Minor, Space Science and Robotics, Mathematical and Theoretical Physics
Exclusive (Any Acad Year)
Exclusive (Any Acad Year)
Exclusive (Any Acad Year)
Reading List
Other Staff
Course Delivery
Assessment
| Assessment Type | Assessment length / details | Proportion |
|---|---|---|
| Semester Assessment | Laboratory Report 1000 Words | 30% |
| Semester Assessment | Written Laboratory 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. | 70% |
| Supplementary Exam | 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 written scientific report including theoretical background, experimental description, presentation and analysis of results, and interpretation and evaluation.
Identify types of uncertainties in an experiment and determine error propagation.
Demonstrate the ability to work with others in a considerate and co-operative way.
Respect and acknowledge the intellectual property of others.
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.
In Aberystwyth the experimental physics modules are arranged so that students progress over the three or four years from following a set of detailed instructions performing simple experiments in the first year, to researching a topic and devising their own experiments and investigations in their final year projects.
This module will introduce physics undergraduates to the key areas of experimental physics which can be used to understand the world around us. Emphasis is placed on accuracy of note-taking. Undergraduates will be expected to keep a laboratory diary as they are 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, including background research into the topic
In Aberystwyth the experimental physics modules are arranged so that students progress over the three or four years from following a set of detailed instructions performing simple experiments in the first year, to researching a topic and devising their own experiments and investigations in their final year projects.
This module will introduce physics undergraduates to the key areas of experimental physics which can be used to understand the world around us. Emphasis is placed on accuracy of note-taking. Undergraduates will be expected to keep a laboratory diary as they are 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, including background research into the topic
Content
• Basic error analysis.
• Keeping laboratory diaries and writing a formal report.
The series of experiments are based on core physics ideas. These experiments cover key introductory areas of physics.
• Keeping laboratory diaries and writing a formal report.
The series of experiments are based on core physics ideas. These experiments cover key introductory areas of physics.
Module Skills
| Skills Type | Skills details |
|---|---|
| Application of Number | In essence, physics is based on the use of mathematics and experimental physics on the manipulation of number. Application of number is a central part of this module. |
| Communication | Students will keep laboratory diaries and write a report on an experiment. |
| Improving own Learning and Performance | Each week the feed-back provided for the lab diaries encourages the student to improve their note-taking. |
| Information Technology | 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 their lab reports. |
| Problem solving | Students will apply problem solving techniques in the course of experimentation and in the handling of data arising from experiments. |
| Research skills | Students will be expected to research the background to experiments. |
| Subject Specific Skills | Use of scientific equipment. Performance of experiments. Writing scientific method. Analysis of experimental uncertainty. |
| Team work | Students will generally do experiments in groups of two and we would encourage co-operation in the solution of modelling problems. |
Notes
This module is at CQFW Level 4