PHY1027	Practical Physics I	2013-14
	Prof. Bill Barnes
Delivery Weeks:	T1:01-12, T2:01-05
Level:	4 (NQF)
Credits:	15 NICATS / 7.5 ECTS
Enrolment:	134 students (approx)

Description

This module provides a broad foundation in experimental physics, upon which practical work in the Stage 2 and subequent years builds. It starts with a short series of lectures, supplemented with on-line notes, 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 group and preparing and delivering oral presentation in a conference-like environment. The final component of thhis module is the PHY0000 Communcation and Key Skills course held in after the exams in Term 3.

Module Aims

Experiment is one of the central activities of a scientist. Experimental observations form the basis 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. 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:
  4. keep accurate and thorough records;
  5. discuss and analyse critically results of investigations, including the use of computers for data analysis;
  6. minimize experimental errors and uncertainties;
  7. demonstrate awareness of the importance of safety within the laboratory context and of the relevant legislation and regulations;
  8. identify the hazards associated with specific experimental apparatus, and comply with the safety precautions required;
  9. deliver written and oral presentations (experiment write-ups, formal reports, group talk);
  10. work in a team (working in pairs on experiments and in larger groups for talks);
  11. manage time (meeting deadlines for assignments);
  12. use computers for data analysis and collection;
  13. collect, analyse and report data and conclusions in an ethical manner;
• Personal and Key Transferable / Employment Skills and Knowledge:
  14. as specified in PHY0000 Communications and Key Skills component.

Syllabus Plan

Students are provided with a Laboratory Manual in which the experiments for this module are summarised. There is some choice of which experiments are undertaken. Each experiment is described in detail in a 2-4 page laboratory script.

General supervision and assistance are available in the laboratory from the demonstrators. Each demonstrator monitors the progress of the assigned pairs, taking a pastoral role and reporting any problems to the Module Coordinator. Feedback is given on each experiment during a 15-minute marking session with a demonstrator. For the oral presentation in the Student Conference, the assessment is made by all demonstrators with partial input from the students.

Note: The final section of the Stage 1 laboratory is the Communication and Key Skills training component which is held over three days following the examinations at the end of the Summer Term; this exercise is described in the PHY0000 component description.

Learning and Teaching

Learning Activities and Teaching Methods

Description	Study time	KIS type
4×1-hour lectures	4 hours	SLT
1×4-hour self-study package	4 hours	GIS
20×3-hour practical laboratory sessions	60 hours	SLT
6-hour student conference	6 hours	SLT
3×1-day communications skills workshops (PHY0000)	21 hours	SLT
Reading and private study	55 hours	GIS

Assessment

Weight	Form	Size	When	ILOS assessed	Feedback
0%	Data analysis homework	One 4-hour problems set	Week T1:02 (Mon)	3, 13	Written and verbal
25%	Experiments, recorded in the notebook	Four notebook assessments	ca 2-week intervals in T1:01-05,07-12	1-8, 10-13	Written and verbal
50%	Experiments, written up as formal experiment reports	Four 1000-word reports	Weeks T2:01, T2:02, T2:03, T2:04	1-9,11-13	Written and verbal
15%	Group oral presentation for the Student Conference	20 minutes	Week T2:05	9, 10	Written and verbal
10%	Communications and key skills component PHY0000	3 days	Week T1:06	14	Written and verbal

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/phy1027

Further Information

Prior Knowledge Requirements

Pre-requisite Modules	none
Co-requisite Modules	Vector Mechanics (PHY1021), Introduction to Astrophysics (PHY1022), Waves and Optics (PHY1023) and Properties of Matter (PHY1024)

Re-assessment

Re-assessment is not available except when 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

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

KIS Data Summary

Learning activities and teaching methods SLT - scheduled learning & teaching activities 91 hrs GIS - guided independent study 59 hrs PLS - placement/study abroad 0 hrs Total 150 hrs

Summative assessment Coursework 50% Written exams 0% Practical exams 50% Total 100%

Miscellaneous

IoP Accreditation Checklist	XX-01 Experimental work in a practical laboratory
Availability	unrestricted
Distance learning	NO
Keywords	Physics; Data analysis; Experimental methods; Practical laboratory; Record-keeping.
Created	01-Oct-10
Revised	N/A