2024/25 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

PHAS0001 Introduction to Experimental Physics

10 creditsClass Size: 76

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

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

Year running 2024/25

Pre-requisite qualifications

This module is for non-Physics students.

GCSE Physics and Mathematics or equivalent

Module replaces

PHYS0040

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 students should be able to demonstrate competence in carrying out and recording practical work, as well as analysis of results and an evaluation of the experiment. Students will also be able to demonstrate the ability to communicate experimental results and scientific concepts through experimental reports and a scientific article.

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 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	4.00	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	Regular Laboratory Reports	80.00
Assignment	Article	20.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		100.00

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: 29/08/2024

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