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Unit information: Practical Physics 203 in 2018/19

Please note: you are viewing unit and programme information for a past academic year. Please see the current academic year for up to date information.

Unit name Practical Physics 203
Unit code PHYS29030
Credit points 30
Level of study I/5
Teaching block(s) Teaching Block 4 (weeks 1-24)
Unit director Dr. Chris Bell
Open unit status Not open
Pre-requisites

PHYS10005, PHYS10006, PHYS10004, or equivalent.

Co-requisites

None

School/department School of Physics
Faculty Faculty of Science

Description including Unit Aims

Physics is a discipline which has observation and experimental validation at its heart. This unit consists of laboratory work, computer workshop and laboratory conference presentation. It continues the development of key experimental skills, the use of various standard pieces of apparatus and analysis of data. The experiments allow for student input into design and measurement. Transferable skills are included by having formal write-up of experiments, an assessment viva for each experiment, a group presentation within a class conference structure. The unit also allows for computing skills to be taught and used, with a requirement to produce computational exercises for assessment.

Aims:

To enable further familiarity with the techniques of experimental physics including experimental design, use of appropriate apparatus, collection and analysis of data. To give experience of report writing and presenting experimental results in a conference setting. To increase computing skills.

Intended Learning Outcomes

Able to use apparatus appropriately in order to allow meaningful results to be obtained. Understand some of the principles underlying the design of experiments. Understand the significance of a laboratory notebook, and the measurement and interpretation of data. Able to present the results of an experiment in a manner appropriate to a professional physicist. Able to collaborate with others in the presentation of experimental results in a conference setting. Able to use computational methods appropriately.

Teaching Information

Laboratory classes, lectures, vivas, group presentation, computer exercises

Assessment Information

Mark for each experiment based on laboratory notebook and viva, formal write-up of two experiments, group presentation of one experiment, computing exercise.

Reading and References

To be advised.

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