Practical Physics II - 2023 entry
| MODULE TITLE | Practical Physics II | CREDIT VALUE | 15 |
|---|---|---|---|
| MODULE CODE | PHY2026 | MODULE CONVENER | Prof Feodor Ogrin (Coordinator) |
| DURATION: TERM | 1 | 2 | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| DURATION: WEEKS | 9 | 11 |
| Number of Students Taking Module (anticipated) | 141 |
|---|
DESCRIPTION - summary of the module content
Laboratory work is an important part of the process of learning physics where students apply their knowledge practically. It allows students to deepen their understanding and improve problem solving techniques, and enables them to take an active part in the enquiry into the natural world. This Stage 2 module builds upon the Stage 1 module PHY1027 Practical Physics I, introducing more advanced techniques and equipment, with more detailed and often open-ended experiments that require an active engagement by the student. The experiments complement lecture material of the Stage 2 and 3 modules. A number of the experimental topics are not directly covered in lectures and aim to extend the student's overall vision of physics and their ability to define and solve problems independently. In addition, the module aims to develop a wide range of experimental skills, as well as careful record keeping, critical interpretation of data and their presentation in reports and talks.
AIMS - intentions of the module
This module pre-dates the current template; refer to the description above and the following ILO sections.
INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES (ILOs) (see assessment section below for how ILOs will be assessed)
A student who has passed this module should be able to:
Module Specific Skills and Knowledge:
1. demonstrate an enhanced understanding of physics by identifying and discussing the underlying physics of experiments that they have carried out;
2. describe and implement appropriate techniques of measurement and data analysis for a given experimental situation;
3. explain the importance of keeping careful records and demonstrate that they have developed a method of doing so;
4. plan the execution of an experiment and explain the reasoning behind their plan;
5. identify the main sources of errors in their experiments and suggest ways to suppress them;
6. demonstrate awareness of the importance of safety within the laboratory context and of the relevant legislation and regulations;
7. identify the hazards associated with specific experimental apparatus, and comply with the safety precautions required;
8. include consideration of safety aspects in the design of experiments;
Discipline Specific Skills and Knowledge:
9. use LaTeX for report preparation and GNU Octave for data analysis and graphing;
10. critically interprete data and present them effectively in a formal report;
11. give an oral presentation of the results of an investigation;
12. keep careful and reliable records of investigations;
13. communication skills (by explaining their work to the demonstrators and their peers, during work and in formal discussions, and also by asking and answering questions at the extended-experiment presentations);
14. write coherent, properly structured and logical reports;
15. undertake self-study (by working with literature and finding information for the experimental topics not directly covered by lectures);
16. collect, analyse and report data and conclusions in an ethical manner;
Personal and Key Transferable / Employment Skills and Knowledge:
17. participate in team work (by working in pairs);
18. plan work and manage time effectively (students have to meet strict deadlines on completing experiments and handing in the reports);
19. use computers to process and assess data;
20. give presentations to a group of people.
SYLLABUS PLAN - summary of the structure and academic content of the module
The range of experimental topics and associated techniques are detailed in the Laboratory Manual. They include experiments in optics, electromagnetism, mechanics and nuclear physics. Some of the experiments involve computer controlled data acquisition.
Students work in pairs and within the 32 sessions undertake three 'standard' experiments totalling 20 sessions, in accordance with their individual plan which has been formed for the whole academic year.
Before tackling the experiment students study the worksheet and necessary literature, discuss the underlying physics and plan the experiment. Experimental work commences after the student has proved to their demonstrator in the initial discussion that they have a fair grasp of the background of the experiment and knows how to undertake it. The experiment is completed by the student writing a report and the demonstrator marking the work in the final discussion with the student.
These standard experiments are followed by an extended experiment chosen by the student. It lasts twelve sessions in Term T2 and is completed by writing up a report and giving an oral presentation of results to fellow students. It is aimed at allowing the students a more active role in deciding what and how to investigate and giving them more time for a deeper study of one particular topic.
LEARNING AND TEACHING
LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS (given in hours of study time)
| Scheduled Learning & Teaching Activities | 96 | Guided Independent Study | 54 | Placement / Study Abroad |
|---|
DETAILS OF LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS
| Category | Hours of study time | Description |
| Scheduled learning & teaching activities | 96 hours | 32×3-hour practical laboratory sessions |
| Guided independent study | 54 hours | Reading and private study |
ASSESSMENT
FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT - for feedback and development purposes; does not count towards module grade
SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT (% of credit)
| Coursework | 76 | Written Exams | 0 | Practical Exams | 24 |
|---|
DETAILS OF SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT
| Form of Assessment | % of Credit | Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length) | ILOs Assessed | Feedback Method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reports | 50% | 2 x 1250 words reports | 1-10, 12-19 | Written and verbal |
| Lab book | 15% | Lab book in person discussion | 1-10, 12-19 | Written and verbal |
| Oral Presentation | 15% | 15 minutes | 11, 20 | Written and verbal |
| Poster Presentation | 20% | Poster and discussion | 11,13,17-20 | Written and verbal |
DETAILS OF RE-ASSESSMENT (where required by referral or deferral)
| Original Form of Assessment | Form of Re-assessment | ILOs Re-assessed | Time Scale for Re-assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reports (50%) | 1 x report (2000 words) | 1-10,12-19 | Summer period |
| Lab book (15%) | Lab book (15%) (electronically submitted) | 1-10, 12-19 | Summer period |
| Oral presentation (15%) | Recorded Oral presentation (15%) | 11, 20 | Summer Period |
| Poster presentation (20%) | Poster (20%) | 11, 13, 17-20 | Summer Period |
RE-ASSESSMENT NOTES
Due to the need to provide support in the lab during the referred or deferred activities, the practical part of any referred or deferred elements in the module will need to take place during term 3, before the summer break.
RESOURCES
INDICATIVE LEARNING RESOURCES - The following list is offered as an indication of the type & level of
information that you are expected to consult. Further guidance will be provided by the Module Convener
information that you are expected to consult. Further guidance will be provided by the Module Convener
| CREDIT VALUE | 15 | ECTS VALUE | 7.5 |
|---|---|---|---|
| PRE-REQUISITE MODULES | PHY1027 |
|---|---|
| CO-REQUISITE MODULES | PHY2021, PHY2022, PHY2023, PHY2024 |
| NQF LEVEL (FHEQ) | 5 | AVAILABLE AS DISTANCE LEARNING | No |
|---|---|---|---|
| ORIGIN DATE | Thursday 15th December 2011 | LAST REVISION DATE | Wednesday 24th April 2024 |
| KEY WORDS SEARCH | Physics; Experiment; Plan; Techniques; Data; Safety; Reports; Years; Laboratory; Practical; Part. |
|---|
Please note that all modules are subject to change, please get in touch if you have any questions about this module.
