Aims

To introduce and enhance practical skills through the use of challenging experimental physics. To enable the student to demonstrate enhanced capabilities in terms of error analysisanf good experimental technique. To continue the development of MatLab and LabView programming to enable the student to be able to use computing to support their learning and development.

Outline Of Syllabus

The experiments used in the laboratory portion of the module will be used to reinforce key aspects of physics, including those covered in the stage 2 taught modules. The computing portion will be used to teach the development of coding strategies and gain experience in the use of suitable software to enable theoretical and practical physics. The electronics component will focus on the development of low noise amplifier circuitry and the interfacing of circuits to data acquisition systems.

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Information is provided through the use of laboratory sheets and lecturer based instruction for key principles. Students self learn through the practical exercises to achieve the specific learning outcomes for that activity (e.g. error analysis).

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The laboratory sessions provide the opportunity for the student to demonstrate their understanding of laboratory physics and the underlying skills. The computing sessions provide the opportunity for students to understand the syntax and structure of computer code to enable this to support their studies in the future.