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PHY2017 Practical Physics II2007-2008Code: PHY2017Title: Practical Physics II Instructors: Dr A. Usher CATS credits: 20 ECTS credits: 10 Availability: unrestricted Level: 2 Pre-requisites: N/A Co-requisites: N/A Background Assumed: PHY11010 Duration: Semesters I and II Directed Study Time: 32 laboratory sessions of 3 hours Private Study Time: 104 hours Assessment Tasks Time: - Observation report: 2001/02 WLB (AKS) AimsLaboratory work is an important part of the process of learning physics where students apply their knowledge practically. It allows students to deepen their understanding and improve problem solving techniques, and enables them to take an active part in the enquiry into the natural world. This second-year module builds upon the first-year module PHY1110, introducing more advanced techniques and equipment, with more detailed and often open-ended experiments that require an active engagement by the student. The experiments complement lecture material of the second and third year modules. A number of the experimental topics are not directly covered in lectures and aim to extend the student's overall vision of physics and their ability to define and solve problems independently. In addition, the module aims at developing a wide range of experimental skills, as well as careful record keeping, critical interpretation of data and their presentation in reports and talks. Intended Learning OutcomesStudents should be able to: Module Specific Skills
Discipline Specific Skills
Personal and Key Skills
Learning and Teaching MethodsLaboratory work conducted in pairs, with support from demonstrators; e-learning resources; private study. AssignmentsStudy experiment-related material, write-up reports. Prepare the extended-experiment presentation. AssessmentPerformance in standard laboratory experiments (60%); Extended experiment (40%). Refer to the School Handbook for more details. Syllabus Plan and ContentThe range of experimental topics and associated techniques are detailed in the Laboratory Manual. They include experiments in optics, electromagnetism, mechanics and nuclear physics. Some of the experiments involve computer controlled data acquisition. Students work in pairs and within the 32 sessions undertake three "normal" experiments totalling 20 sessions, in accordance with their individual plan which has been formed for the whole academic year. Before tackling the experiment students study the worksheet and necessary literature, discuss the underlying physics and plan the experiment. Experimental work commences after the student has proved to their demonstrator in the initial discussion that they have a fair grasp of the background of the experiment and knows how to undertake it. The experiment is completed by the student writing a report and the demonstrator marking the work in the final discussion with the student. These normal experiments are followed by an extended experiment chosen by the student. It lasts twelve sessions in Semester-II and is completed by writing up a report and giving an oral presentation of results to fellow students. It is aimed at allowing the students a more active role in deciding what and how to investigate and giving them more time for a deeper study of one particular topic. Core TextNot applicableSupplementary Text(s)Not applicableFormative MechanismsDue to the interactive relationship between the students and demonstrators in this module, feedback is continually provided at the initial discussion, during the execution of the experiment, in planning and assessing the report and during the final discussion. Marks for normal experiments are given and explained in the final discussion. The comments on the student's performance and the quality of their report are put in the individual student's card and are discussed with the students. The marks for the experimental performance in the extended experiment and oral presentation, with comments, are also available to students. Evaluation MechanismsFeedback from the students is continuously made to the demonstrating staff and the laboratory technician (again, due to the interactive relationship with the students). At the end of the year, a student questionnaire on the laboratory work is distributed, analysed and discussed with demonstrators and the technician. In addition, feedback from students on the module is gathered via the standard student representation mechanisms. |