PHYS 3155 Physics Major Laboratory
Course Description
Experimentation, observation and recording skills are very necessary for Physics. Major Laboratory Level III is a modern, lab-based physics course where all Level 3 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 3 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. The students will be expected to perform the laboratory 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.
CONTENT
Laboratory experiments and/or a field trip with site work are to be performed corresponding to the taught components of the Physics Major Level III. 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 III 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 III in Physics courses. 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 Thermodynamics, Solid State Physics, Quantum Physics and Electromagnetics.
- 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.
