The Department of Physics

Course Description

Laboratory experiments and numerical modelling using MAPLE and/or MATLAB are to be performed corresponding to the theory courses of the Major. The students will be expected to perform the exercises and collect their data and depending on the complexity of the exercise will submit the written report at the end of the exercise or submit it the following week for assessment. Experimentation, observation and recording skills are very necessary for Physics. Experimental Physics is a modern, lab-based physics course where all Level 2 students will be exposed to a variety of techniques, concepts and skills in the experimental sciences at the advanced level. These skills are needed for all the other components at this level. Physics courses are developed holistically through this course which entirely focuses on practical skills. This course is one of the five courses at the Advanced level 2 Physics providing necessary background knowledge to obtain this major. This course is a hands-on, practical one that will be assessed through performance in laboratory and field work exercises, as well as through laboratory reports.

CONTENT

Laboratory experiments and/or a field trip with site work are to be performed corresponding to the theory courses of the Major. The students will be expected to perform the exercises and collect their data and depending on the complexity of the exercise will submit the written report at the end of the exercise or submit it the following week for assessment.

GOALS/AIMS

Physics is based on scientific principles which are tested by practical experimentation. The purpose of the Major Laboratory Level II course is to give students hands-on experience and to allow them to test the principles which they learn from the theoretical components of the courses at Level II. In the process, the students are expected to deepen their understanding of the relations between experiment and theory. The data obtained will have the inevitable systematic and random errors that obscure the relations between macroscopic observables of our sensory experience and the ideal laws that govern the phenomena. Students will be challenged to learn how each of the experimental configurations work, to master its manipulation so as to obtain the best possible data set and then to interpret the data in light of theory and a quantitative assessment of the errors. This course stresses data analysis in a laboratory setting.

GENERAL OBJECTIVES

• To engage each student in significant experiences with experimental processes and design.
• To explore physical principles through hypothesis development based on empirical observations (inductive reasoning) and testing of theories (deductive reasoning).
• To facilitate development of a broad array of basic skills and tools of experimental physics and data analysis, which students can utilize in a variety of career fields.
• To enhance student understanding of basic physics concepts through direct observation of empirical evidence and hands-on learning.
• To understand the role of direct observation in physics and to distinguish between inferences based on theory and the outcomes of experiments.
• To instill interest in how the physical world works and inspire students to creatively explore hypotheses through experimentation.
• To facilitate students' ability to communicate their findings through written reports.
• To enhance students’ interaction with computers through simulations of the experiments along with hands on experimentation.
• To help students develop collaborative learning skills which are vital to success in many lifelong endeavors.
• To help students demonstrate a keen appreciation of physical quantities, their dimensions and units.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

Upon successful completion of the course students should be able to:

• Design and perform experiments related to classical, mathematical and statistical Physics.
• Recognise and illustrate the translation between theoretical and practical Physics
• Competently analyze, interpret and present experimental results.
• Demonstrate an understanding of equipment utilized in advanced Physics experiments.

Assessment

Coursework 100%

Students will be required to submit a lab report for each of the experiments they will perform. Each lab report will be marked and this will constitute the coursework.