Module and Programme Catalogue

Search site

Find information on

2017/18 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

PHYS3777 Advanced Experimental Techniques and Analysis

30 creditsClass Size: 60

Module manager: Dr G. Burnell
Email: g.burnell@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2017/18

Module replaces

Module replaces PHYS3555 (Advanced Experimental Techniques)and PHYS3666 (Analysis in Experimental Physics)

This module is not approved as a discovery module

Objectives

At the end of this module students should be able to:
- demonstrate skills in preparing, conducting, analysing and interpreting of a wide range of advanced laboratory investigations;
- explain and apply a range of experimental, statistical and computational analytical techniques;
- present and defend their work in a scientific report, an oral and subsequent discussions;
- defend their understanding and experimental work in a viva-voce.

Learning outcomes
- Execute and analyse the results of an experiment or investigation, evaluate the level of uncertainty in results and compare with theoretical predictions or published data;
- Communicate in writing or orally the results of their work or other scientific information in a variety of styles or for different audiences;
- Work autonomously within a structured environment;
- Perform advanced physical experiments using high-tech experimental and analytical techniques.


Syllabus

Each student undertakes 4 "experimental mini-projects" of 3 weeks each from the following list (depending on their programme of study and availability):

- Differential Scanning Calorimetry
- Nuclear Magnetic Resonance
- Ultrasonic Immersion Method
- Electro-optic effects in liquid crystals
- Interferometry and variable phase devices
- Ellipsometry of thin films
- Saturated Absorption Spectroscopy
- Low-temperature Electrical Transport
- Point Contact Andreev Reflection Spectroscopy
- Magneto-optical Kerr Effect
- Quantized Conductance in Nanocontacts
- Manetotransport in thin films
- Crystal Growth and Characterisation
- Scanning Tunnel Microscopy
- Optical Tweezers
- Atomic Force Microscopy.


Students get 4 introductory lectures on some common experimental techniques. They set up and run the experiments, analyse the data, critically assess their methods and results, and compare with published works. At the conclusion of each ‘mini-project’ the students defend their experimental work in a viva-voce. They prepare a formal written report on one ‘mini-project’ and give a short conference style oral presentation (and answer questions) on either same or alternate ‘mini-project’.

Teaching methods

Delivery typeNumberLength hoursStudent hours
Laboratory188.00144.00
Office Hour Discussions101.0010.00
Lecture42.008.00
Private study hours138.00
Total Contact hours162.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)300.00

Private study

- Pre-lab preparation, background reading and research, experimental data analysis, oral preparation, viva voce preparation, formal report preparation = 138 hours.

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Regular meetings with mini-project supervisors and demonstrators

Methods of assessment


Coursework
Assessment typeNotes% of formal assessment
PracticalLaboratory performance45.00
ReportFormal report15.00
PresentationOral presentation10.00
PracticalViva examination (3 x 10%) assessed by supervisor30.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)100.00

Submission of all components is compulsory to pass the module.

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 19/03/2018

Disclaimer

Browse Other Catalogues

Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team.PROD

© Copyright Leeds 2019