PHY1030 : Laboratory Physics 1
- Offered for Year: 2020/21
- Module Leader(s): Professor Noel Healy
- Lecturer: Dr Angela Dyson, Dr Chris Graham
- Owning School: Mathematics, Statistics and Physics
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
| Semester 1 Credit Value: | 10 |
| Semester 2 Credit Value: | 10 |
| ECTS Credits: | 10.0 |
Aims
To introduce and enhance the practical skills required for experimental physics. To develop an understanding of error propagation. To introduce the Matlab programming language as a tool for data presentation and analysis.
Outline Of Syllabus
Use of Matlab for numerical computing. Getting started, input and output, data types, plotting and simple calculations, control statements, functions, random variables.
• Practical experience with concepts presented in lectures
• Physical measurement equipment
• Presentation of data and results in a clear and logical manner
• Analysis of data
• Error propagation
Teaching Methods
Please note that module leaders are reviewing the module teaching and assessment methods for Semester 2 modules, in light of the Covid-19 restrictions. There may also be a few further changes to Semester 1 modules. Final information will be available by the end of August 2020 in for Semester 1 modules and the end of October 2020 for Semester 2 modules.
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 2:00 | 2:00 | Practical with class test |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 5:00 | 5:00 | Completion of MatLab assessment |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 20 | 1:00 | 20:00 | Preparation for MatLab assignment |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 2 | 8:00 | 16:00 | Completion of reports |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 2 | 15:00 | 30:00 | Preparation for report writing |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Practical | 1 | 3:00 | 3:00 | MatLab practical sessions Present in Person |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Practical | 4 | 3:00 | 12:00 | Laboratory techniques |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Practical | 6 | 3:00 | 18:00 | Laboratory Present in Person |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Drop-in/surgery | 4 | 1:00 | 4:00 | Remote practical support |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 5 | 1:00 | 5:00 | Lecture Materials MATLAB lectures |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 10 | 3:00 | 30:00 | Preparation for lab sessions, reading scripts and background research. |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 55 | 1:00 | 55:00 | Studying, practising and gaining understanding of course |
| Total | 200:00 |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
Information is provided through the use of laboratory sheets and lecture based instruction for key principles. Students self learn through the practical exercises to achieve the specific learning outcomes for that activity. Peer learning and group work is an important contributor during the practical lab sessions to achieving the intended learning outcomes. 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.
Alternatives will be offered to students unable to be present-in-person due to the prevailing C-19 circumstances.
Student’s should consult their individual timetable for up-to-date delivery information.
Assessment Methods
Please note that module leaders are reviewing the module teaching and assessment methods for Semester 2 modules, in light of the Covid-19 restrictions. There may also be a few further changes to Semester 1 modules. Final information will be available by the end of August 2020 in for Semester 1 modules and the end of October 2020 for Semester 2 modules.
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Other Assessment
| Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Computer assessment | 1 | M | 25 | ICA |
| Portfolio | 1 | M | 20 | Portfolio comprising 3 out of 4 of the remote laboratory sessions |
| Practical/lab report | 2 | M | 20 | Write-up of a completed experiment as a formal report |
| Practical/lab report | 2 | M | 20 | Write-up of a completed experiment as a formal report |
| Computer assessment | 2 | M | 15 | Numbas test on uncertainties & error propagation. |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
The laboratory session provides the opportunity for the student to demonstrate their understanding of laboratory physics. A portion of the lab report mark goes to good record keeping and preparation for the experiment. Lab write-ups test the student’s understanding of the results, their ability to communicate their results and their skills with the introduced programing languages.
Reading Lists
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- PHY1030's Timetable