2024/25 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

PHAS1050 Coding and Experimental Physics

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

'A' Level Physics and Maths or equivalent

Co-requisites

PHAS1000	First Year Physics Assessment
PHAS1010	Mechanics, Relativity and Astrophysics
PHAS1020	Thermodynamics
PHAS1030	Electronics, Solid State and Introduction to Quantum Physics
PHAS1040	Vibrations, Waves and Optics

Module replaces

PHYS1001, PHYS1220

This module is not approved as a discovery module

Module summary

On completion of this module students should be able to demonstrate proficiency in a range of experimental physics and programming skills, as well as the ability to communicate scientific ideas, work as part of a team, and evaluate their own performance.

Objectives

This module introduces students to the practical skills needed to be successful on a degree course within the School of Physics and Astronomy and beyond, encompassing experimental, computational, communication and employability skills. Students will develop their experimental skills through a range of laboratory tasks undertaken throughout the year, and will be introduced to programming using the Python computer programming language. Students will also undertake tasks and assessments designed to improve team working and presentation skills, as well as reflective practice.

Learning outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the ability to:
1. use a range of laboratory apparatus safely and competently to obtain results within the time allowed, either by following instructions or using their own experimental designs and risk assessments.
2. accurately record experimental details and results, as well as analyse data and determine uncertainties by selecting appropriate analytical techniques, and critically evaluate an experiment.
3. use Python to write simple programmes and debug code; understand the syntax, the logical operators and code structures available in Python, and the application of loops and functions.
4. use appropriate scientific computing packages, including Python, to employ computer based data visualisation.
5. Present scientific content, ideas and data using a range of media and digital tools.
6. Analyse motivations, values and interests and use this to inform career planning
7. Identify and use career decision-making models

Skills Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated:
1. proficiency in a variety of experimental and programming skills used by physicists and astrophysicists, at a level appropriate to year 1
2. the ability to apply appropriate mathematical and analytical techniques within experimental and computational physics
3. the ability to communicate scientific ideas and results using a variety of media and digital tools
4. the ability to plan and manage time to meet deadlines.

Syllabus

Details of the syllabus will be provided on the Minerva organisation (or equivalent) for the module

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Lecture	11	2.00	22.00
Practical	11	2.00	22.00
Practical	22	4.00	88.00
Seminar	3	1.00	3.00
Private study hours			65.00
Total Contact hours			135.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			200.00

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Assignment	Coursework	100.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		100.00

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Reading list

There is no reading list for this module

Last updated: 09/05/2024

Disclaimer

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