2017/18 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

PHYS3778 Advanced Lab (MNatSci)

20 creditsClass Size: 40

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

Taught: Semester 2 (Jan 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 3-4 "experimental mini-projects" of 3-4 weeks each from the following list (depending on their programme of study and availability):

- Differential Scanning Calorimetry
- Nuclear Magnetic Resonance
- Ultrasound Immersion Method
- Electro-optic effects in liquid crystals
- Interferometry and variable phase devices
- Ellipsometry of thin films
- Saturated Absorption Spectroscopy
- 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 a different ‘mini-project’.

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Laboratory	12	8.00	96.00
Office Hour Discussions	6	1.00	6.00
Lecture	4	2.00	8.00
Private study hours			90.00
Total Contact hours			110.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			200.00

Private study

- Pre-lab preparation, background reading and research, experimental data analysis, oral preparation, viva voce preparation, formal report preparation = 90 hours.

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Regular meetings with mini-project supervisors and demonstrators

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Report	Formal report	25.00
Practical	Laboratory performance (2 x 15 %) assessed by demonstrator and supervisor	30.00
Presentation	Oral presentation	15.00
Practical	Viva examination (2 x 15%) assessed by supervisor	30.00
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: 05/09/2017

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