Description

Laboratory 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 Stage 2 module builds upon the Stage 1 module PHY1027 Practical Physics I, 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 Stage 2 and 3 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 to develop a wide range of experimental skills, as well as careful record keeping, critical interpretation of data and their presentation in reports and talks.

Module Aims

This module pre-dates the current template; refer to the description above and the following ILO sections.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

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

• Module Specific Skills and Knowledge:
  1. demonstrate an enhanced understanding of physics by identifying and discussing the underlying physics of experiments that they have carried out;
  2. describe and implement appropriate techniques of measurement and data analysis for a given experimental situation;
  3. explain the importance of keeping careful records and demonstrate that they have developed a method of doing so;
  4. plan the execution of an experiment and explain the reasoning behind their plan;
  5. identify the main sources of errors in their experiments and suggest ways to suppress them;
  6. demonstrate awareness of the importance of safety within the laboratory context and of the relevant legislation and regulations;
  7. identify the hazards associated with specific experimental apparatus, and comply with the safety precautions required;
  8. include consideration of safety aspects in the design of experiments;
• Discipline Specific Skills and Knowledge:
  9. use LaTeX for report preparation and GNU Octave for data analysis and graphing;
  10. critically interprete data and present them effectively in a formal report;
  11. give an oral presentation of the results of an investigation;
  12. keep careful and reliable records of investigations;
  13. communication skills (by explaining their work to the demonstrators and their peers, during work and in formal discussions, and also by asking and answering questions at the extended-experiment presentations);
  14. write coherent, properly structured and logical reports;
  15. undertake self-study (by working with literature and finding information for the experimental topics not directly covered by lectures);
  16. collect, analyse and report data and conclusions in an ethical manner;
• Personal and Key Transferable / Employment Skills and Knowledge:
  17. participate in team work (by working in pairs);
  18. plan work and manage time effectively (students have to meet strict deadlines on completing experiments and handing in the reports);
  19. use computers to process and assess data;
  20. give presentations to a group of people.

Syllabus Plan

The 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 'standard' 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 standard experiments are followed by an extended experiment chosen by the student. It lasts twelve sessions in Term T2 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.

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 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/phy2026

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