MODULE TITLE

Practical Physics I

 

CREDIT VALUE

15

MODULE CODE

PHY1027

MODULE CONVENER

Prof. V.V. Kruglyak

 

 

DURATION

TERM

1

2

3

Number Students Taking Module (anticipated)

140

WEEKS

T1:01-12

T2:01-11

 

DESCRIPTION – summary of the module content (100 words)

This module provides a broad foundation in experimental physics, upon which practical work in Stage 2 and subsequent years builds. It starts with a short series of lectures, supplemented with a problem set, 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. The last of the experiments is done as a larger group and involves joint work on a poster, presented in a conference-like environment, and a formal report. Another component of this module is the PHY0000 Communication and Key Skills course.

MODULE AIMS – intentions of the module

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

INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES (ILOs) (see assessment section below for how ILOs will be assessed)

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

Module Specific Skills and Knowledge:

  1. plan and execute experimental investigations;
  2. apply and describe a variety of experimental techniques;
  3. identify, estimate, combine and quote experimental errors and uncertainties;

Discipline Specific Skills and Knowledge:

  1. keep accurate and thorough records;
  2. discuss and analyse critically results of investigations;
  3. minimize experimental errors and uncertainties;
  4. demonstrate awareness of the importance of safety within the laboratory context and of the relevant legislation and regulations;
  5. identify the hazards associated with specific experimental apparatus, and comply with the safety precautions required;
  6. deliver written reports and poster presentations;
  7. work in a team (working in pairs on standard experiments and in groups of four or more for extended experiments and poster presentations);
  8. manage time (meeting deadlines for assignments);
  9. use computers for data analysis and collection;
  10. collect, analyse and report data and conclusions in an ethical manner;

Personal and Key Transferable / Employment Skills and Knowledge:

  1. interact with demonstrators in a laboratory environment;
  2. as specified in PHY0000 Communication and Key Skills component.

SYLLABUS PLAN – summary of the structure and academic content of the module

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

General supervision and assistance are available from the demonstrators during the timetabled practical sessions. Each demonstrator conducts the initial discussion and monitors the progress of the assigned students, taking a pastoral role and reporting any problems to the module leader. Feedback is given during an assessment and feedback discussion with a demonstrator. Poster presentations in the Student Conference are assessed by demonstrators.

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

 

LEARNING AND TEACHING

 

LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS (given in hours of study time)

Scheduled Learning & Teaching activities  

87 hours

Guided independent study  

63 hours

Placement/study abroad

0 hours

 

DETAILS OF LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS

 Category 

 Hours of study time 

 Description 

Scheduled Learning & Teaching activities

3 hours

3×1-hour lectures

Guided independent study

6 hours

1×6-hour self-study package, including a problem set

Scheduled Learning & Teaching activities

54 hours

18×3-hour practical laboratory sessions

Scheduled Learning & Teaching activities

6 hours

2×3-hour peer assessment workshops

Scheduled Learning & Teaching activities

3 hours

3-hour student conference

Scheduled Learning & Teaching activities

21 hours

Communication and Key Skills component (PHY0000)

Guided independent study

57 hours

Reading and private study

 

ASSESSMENT

 

 FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT - for feedback and development purposes; does not count towards module grade

Form of Assessment

Size of the assessment e.g. duration/length

ILOs assessed

Feedback method

SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT (% of credit)

Coursework

50%

Written exams

0%

Practical exams

50%

 

DETAILS OF SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT

Form of Assessment

 

% of credit

Size of the assessment e.g. duration/length

 ILOs assessed 

Feedback method

Experiments, recorded in the lab-book, and a data analysis problem set; the median mark is awarded

40%

Three lab-book assessments, and one 6-hour self-study package including a problem set

1-8, 10-14

Written and verbal

Experiments, written up as formal experiment reports and presented as a conference poster; the median mark is awarded

50%

Two 1250-word individual reports, one 1500-word group report, and one group poster presentation

1-14

Written and verbal

Communications and key skills component PHY0000

10%

As specified in PHY0000

15

Written and verbal

ASSESSMENT NOTES  

Refer to the Undergraduate Handbook for details and marking criteria. Briefly, lab-books and reports for standard experiments are marked in a one-to-one assessment and feedback discussion involving a demonstrator; reports for the extended experiment are marked by two demonstrators, without final discussions; marking of poster presentations involves multiple demonstrators and may be moderated via peer assessment.

 DETAILS OF RE-ASSESSMENT (where required by referral or deferral)

Original form of assessment

 Form of re-assessment 

ILOs re-assessed

Time scale for re-assessment

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

RE-ASSESSMENT NOTES  

Re-assessment is not available for this module.

 

RESOURCES

 

 INDICATIVE LEARNING RESOURCES -  The following list is offered as an indication of the type & level of information that you are expected to consult. Further guidance will be provided by the Module Convener.

Core text:

  • Not applicable

Supplementary texts:

ELE:

CREDIT VALUE

15

ECTS VALUE

7.5

PRE-REQUISITE MODULES

none

CO-REQUISITE MODULES

Vector Mechanics (PHY1021), Introduction to Astrophysics (PHY1022), Waves and Optics (PHY1023) and Properties of Matter (PHY1024)

NQF LEVEL (FHEQ)

4

AVAILABLE AS DISTANCE LEARNING

NO

ORIGIN DATE

01-Oct-10

LAST REVISION DATE

29-Mar-22

KEY WORDS SEARCH

Physics; Data analysis; Experimental methods; Practical laboratory; Record-keeping.

Module Descriptor Template Revised October 2011