Description

The practical laboratory work section of this module provides a broad foundation in experimental physics, upon which experimental work for the Stage 2 year and project work in Stage 3 builds. It starts with a short series of lectures, supplemented with problems sets, on error analysis and graph plotting. Laboratory work is normally undertaken in pairs, with support from demonstrators. Experiments are recorded in lab-books and presented as formal reports. One of the experiments involves working as a larger group.

In the IT Skills section of this module students learn to use Python for scientific applications. Python is an interpreted, high-level, general-purpose programming language that can be used for a range of academic and research-based activities including high level mathematics and data processing work. Python is widely used in commercial and research environments.

The PHY0000 Communication and Key Skills course held in 'Opportunities Week', i.e. T1:06 constitutes the the third section of this module.

Module Aims

Every physicist must be able to analyse data, evaluate theoretical models, and present their work in the form of a technical report. They must also be able to perform investigations, such as experiments, and solve the problems they encounter in a systematic and logical manner.

Experimentation is one of the central activities of a scientist. Experimental observations form the bases for new hypotheses and also test scientific theories. In this module, you will learn to understand and apply the experimental method, develop your ability to make reliable measurements and report them in an effective and ethical manner.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

A student who has passed this module should be able to:

• Module Specific Skills and Knowledge:
  1. use a computer language (i.e. Python) to manipulate data and solve equations using numerical methods;
  2. plan and execute experimental investigations;
  3. apply and describe a variety of experimental techniques;
  4. identify, estimate, combine and quote experimental errors and uncertainties;
• Discipline Specific Skills and Knowledge:
  5. keep accurate and thorough records;
  6. discuss and analyse critically results of investigations, including the use of computers for data analysis;
  7. minimize experimental errors and uncertainties;
  8. demonstrate awareness of the importance of safety within the laboratory context and of the relevant legislation and regulations;
  9. identify the hazards associated with specific experimental apparatus, and comply with the safety precautions required;
  10. deliver written and oral presentations (experiment write-ups, formal reports, group talk);
  11. work in a team (working in pairs on standard experiments and in groups of four or more for extended experiments and talks);
  12. manage time (meeting deadlines for assignments);
  13. use computers for data analysis and collection;
  14. collect, analyse and report data and conclusions in an ethical manner;
• Personal and Key Transferable / Employment Skills and Knowledge:
  15. use a computer to solve problems;
  16. solve problems logically;
  17. interact with demonstrators in a laboratory environment;
  18. as specified in PHY0000 Communications and Key Skills component.

Syllabus Plan

Part A: Practical Laboratory

Each experiment is described in a brief laboratory script and a short video. General guidance on experiments, data analysis and result reporting is provided in the Laboratory Manual.

General supervision and assistance are available from the demonstrators during the time-tabled practical sessions. Each demonstrator conducts the initial discussion with and monitors the progress of the assigned students, taking a pastoral role and reporting any problems to the Module Coordinator. Feedback is given on each experiment during a 15-minute final discussion with a demonstrator. For the oral presentation in the Student Conference, the assessment is made by demonstrators with partial input from the students.

Note: The Communication and Key Skills content and activities are described in the PHY0000 component description.

Part B: IT Skills

1. Introduction to Python
   1. Running interactive Python; loading modules and packages; using Python as a graphical calculator; simple calculations, maths, simple functions and plotting.
   2. Using Jupyter notebooks with Numpy and Matplotlib.
2. Core Python programming
   1. Objects, variables and assignments. Dynamic 'Duck' typing. Numerical datatypes.
   2. More datatypes: strings, lists, tuples, and dictionaries.
   3. Control flow I: Conditionals, comparisons and Boolean logic.
   4. Control flow II: Loops.
   5. Functions: keyword and positional arguments, default arguments, *args and **kwargs, docstrings, variable scope.
   6. Program structure and documentation, error handling, testing and debugging.
3. Python for labs
   1. Numpy arrays and datatypes.
   2. Using Numpy for reading and writing data; simple statistics; plotting data with errorbars.
   3. Fitting a straight line with a least-squares fit.
   4. Nonlinear least-squares fitting with Scipy.
   5. Publication-quality plots with Matplotlib: multiple axes, control of plot elements.

Learning and Teaching

Learning Activities and Teaching Methods

Assessment

Notes: Refer to the Undergraduate Handbook for details and marking criteria. Briefly, laboratory notebooks and reports are marked in one-to-one discussion between the student and a demonstrator; oral presentations involve both demonstrator and moderated peer assessment.

Resources

The following list is offered as an indication of the type & level of information that students are expected to consult. Further guidance will be provided by the Module Instructor(s).

Core text:

• Not applicable

Supplementary texts:

• Not applicable

ELE:

• http://newton.ex.ac.uk/redirects/ELE/phy1030

Further Information

Prior Knowledge Requirements

Re-assessment

Re-assessment is not available except when required by referral or deferral.

Notes: Re-assessment is not available for this module.

KIS Data Summary

Miscellaneous