2023/24 Undergraduate Module Catalogue
PHYS1001 Introduction to Experimental Physics
20 creditsClass Size: 250
Module manager: Dr Peter Hine
Email: P.J.Hine@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2023/24
This module is mutually exclusive with
| PHYS1260 | Laboratory 1a (Joint Honours and Geophysics) |
| PHYS1261 | Laboratory 1a (Joint Honours) |
Module replaces
PHYS1060PHYS1110This module is not approved as a discovery module
Module summary
This module introduces students to undergraduate experimental physics. The module consists of a range of experimental procedures that students undertake on a rota basis throughout the year. The experimental work is accompanied by a range of other essential skills required by a physicist such as error analysis, report writing, presentations and teamwork.Objectives
On completion of this module students should be able to demonstrate competence in carrying out and recording practical work both individually and as part of a team, as well as communicating experimental results in writing and in presentations.Learning outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will be able to:
1. Follow instructions and use 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 mathematical manipulations of data by hand or using suitable software packages, including statistical analysis of uncertainties.
4. Critically analyse results and formulate a conclusion.
5. Present scientific concepts, results and methodology in extended formal scientific English with illustrations and figures and references to literature sources as necessary.
6. Plan and work as part of a group
7. Deliver presentations including scientific concepts, results and methodologies and answer related questions.
8. Manage time and plan work to meet deadlines.
Skills outcomes
Practical laboratory skills
Scientific writing
Data analysis
Experiment planning
Syllabus
The first two laboratory sessions are a group experiment designed to give an introduction to taking measurements, graph plotting and error analysis. The remaining sessions will consist of a variety of experiments drawn from: Mechanics, Atomic Physics, Optics, Thermal Physics and Electromagnetism.
Coursework includes a 15 minute presentation, two formal reports chosen from two of the experiments carried out, and a science communication output (e.g. video or poster) as a group on one of the experiments.
Teaching methods
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
| Drop-in Session | 22 | 1.00 | 22.00 |
| Group learning | 1 | 4.00 | 4.00 |
| Lecture | 2 | 1.00 | 2.00 |
| Practical | 10 | 4.00 | 40.00 |
| Seminar | 1 | 1.00 | 1.00 |
| Private study hours | 131.00 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 69.00 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 200.00 | ||
Private study
Preparation in advance of practical sessions.Preparing assessment pieces and responding to feedback.
Opportunities for Formative Feedback
Students are given feedback on a weekly basis on their practical reports.They will receive feedback on the other elements of assessment.
For example, the semester 1 formal report will provide feedback for the semester 2 formal report.
Methods of assessment
Coursework
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
| Presentation | Presentation | 10.00 |
| Group Project | Science communication (video) | 10.00 |
| Practical Report | Lab write ups | 65.00 |
| Report | Formal reports | 15.00 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100.00 | |
Students must submit a serious attempt at all assessments for this module, in order to pass the module overall.
Reading list
There is no reading list for this moduleLast updated: 28/04/2023 14:55:12
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