2023/24 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

PHYS0040 Introduction to Experimental Physics

10 creditsClass Size: 78

Module manager: Dr Emma Cochrane
Email: E.C.A.Cochrane@leeds.ac.uk

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

Year running 2023/24

Pre-requisite qualifications

This module is for non-Physics students.

GCSE Physics and Mathematics or equivalent

This module is not approved as a discovery module

Module summary

This module is designed for students who have not had the opportunity of an Advanced Level (A level) education in Physics. This module covers experimental techniques to an A level equivalent standard including experimental method, data analysis and the reporting of results. It forms part of a package of four modules (PHYS0040, PHYS0016, PHYS0025 and PHYS0036) which will prepare students for entry to the level 1 of an appropriate degree programme. The only prerequisite is GCSE level mathematics, or equivalent.

Objectives

On completion of this module you should be able to:
- perform an experiment with minimum supervision
- present results in a clear, concise and accurate manner
- perform simple mathematical manipulations of data and error analysis
- provide a critical analysis of their results
- use the WWW to obtain information from a wide number of sources and to write a coherent essay based on the information obtained.

Learning outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will be able to:
1. Follow instructions and use simple laboratory apparatus safely to obtain results within the time allowed.
2. Record experimental details and present results in a clear, concise and accurate manner.
3. Perform simple mathematical manipulations of data by hand or using software such as MS Excel or Origin, including analysis of uncertainties.
4. Critically analyse results and formulate a conclusion.
5. Carry out research and use a variety of sources to write a scientific article.

Skills outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will be able to:
1. Follow instructions and use simple laboratory apparatus safely to obtain results within the time allowed.
2. Record experimental details and present results in a clear, concise and accurate manner.
3. Perform simple mathematical manipulations of data by hand or using software such as MS Excel or Origin, including analysis of uncertainties.
4. Critically analyse results and formulate a conclusion.
5. Carry out research and use a variety of sources to write a scientific article.

Syllabus

There will be two introductory workshops at the start of this module which will cover topics such as recording and analysis data as well as analysis of experimental uncertainties.

Each student will then complete five laboratory sessions will consist of a variety of experiments drawn from: Mechanics, Atomic Physics, Optics, Thermal Physics and Electromagnetism.

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Laboratory	5	3.00	15.00
Workshop	2	2.00	4.00
Independent online learning hours			1.50
Private study hours			79.50
Total Contact hours			19.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			100.00

Private study

Reading, online study materials and research: 67 hours.

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Continuous monitoring through assessment tasks

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Report	Laboratory reports	80.00
Assignment	Article	20.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		100.00

Students must submit a serious attempt at all assessment elements of this module, in order to pass the module overall. Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated.

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 28/04/2023 14:55:12

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