PHYS 3159 Environmental Physics Laboratory
Course Description
Experimentation, observation and recording skills are very necessary for Physics. Environmental Physics Laboratory is a modern, lab-based physics course where all Environmental Physics minor 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 and complement all the other components at this level. Physics courses are developed holistically through this course which entirely focuses on practical skills. This PHYS 3159 Environmental Physics Laboratory course addresses the practical component of the Environmental Physics Minor and covers all topic areas of this Minor. Physics is based on scientific principles which are tested by practical experimentation. 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 field trips with site work are to be performed corresponding to the taught components of the Environmental Physics minor. 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 Environmental Physics Laboratory is to give students hands-on experience and to allow them to test the principles which they learn from the theoretical components of the Environmental Physics Minor. In the process, the students are expected to deepen their understanding of the relations between experiment and theory. 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 related to Environmental Physics.
- To enhance students’ understanding of basic physics concepts through direct observation of empirical evidence and hands-on learning.
- To understand the role of direct observation in Environmental 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:
- Identify and explain the best practices of generating data using modern equipment associated with the various techniques.
- Design and perform experiments that employ the theory taught in the Environmental Physics minor courses.
- Interpret weather data manipulation and techniques employed in Environmental Physics minor courses.
- Competently analyze, interpret and present experimental results.
Assessment
The 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.
