Module Details

The information contained in this module specification was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change, either during the session because of unforeseen circumstances, or following review of the module at the end of the session. Queries about the module should be directed to the member of staff with responsibility for the module.
Title PRACTICAL PHYSICS I
Code PHYS106
Coordinator Dr F Jaeckel
Physics
Frank.Jaeckel@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2020-21 Level 4 FHEQ Whole Session 15

Aims

To provide a core of essential introductory laboratory methods which overlap and develop from A-Level; to introduce the basis of experimental techniques in physical measurement, the use of computer techniques in analysis, and to provide experience in doing experiments, keeping records and writing reports; to complement the core physics program with experimental examples of material taught in the lecture courses.


Learning Outcomes

(LO1) An awareness of the importance of accurate experimentation, particularly observation and record keeping.

(LO2) An ability to plan, execute and report on the results of an investigation using appropriate analysis of the data and associated uncertainties.

(LO3) An ability to organise their time and meet deadlines.

(LO4) An understanding of the interaction between theory and experiment, in particular the ties to the material presented in the lecture courses.

(LO5) Experience of the practical nature of physics.

(LO6) Developed analytical skills in the analysis of the data

(LO7) Developed communication skills in the presentation of the investigation in a clear and logical manner

(LO8) Developed investgative skills in performing the experiment and extracting information from various sources with which to compare the results

(LO9) Developed the ability to organise their time and meet deadlines

(LO10) Understand the interaction between theory and experiment, in particular the ties to the material presented in the lecture courses.

(S1) Practical and technical skill required for physics experimentation and an appreciation of the importance of a systematic approach to experimental measurement.

(S2) Problem solving skills of a practical nature.

(S3) Communication skills in the presentation of the investigation in a clear and logical manner.

(S4) Analytical skills in the analysis of the data.

(S5) Investgative skills in performing the experiment and extracting information from various sources with which to compare the results.


Syllabus

 

Introductory Experiments:

Introduction to Experimental Errors with a simple pendulum and a Geiger counter.
Error Analysis via selected exercises.

Foundation experiments:

A selection of experiments covering phenomena in mechanics, electric circuits, thermodynamics, optics, and atomic physics.

Core experiments:

A selection of experiments covering phenomena in atomic and particle physics, quantum mechanics and radiation physics.


Teaching and Learning Strategies

Teaching Method 1 - Laboratory Work
Description:
Attendance Recorded: Yes


Teaching Schedule

  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours       114

    114
Timetable (if known)              
Private Study 36
TOTAL HOURS 150

Assessment

EXAM Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
Notes
             
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
Notes
Experiment worksheets. Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. This is not an anonymous assessment. Assessment Schedule (When) :1  42 hours    40       
Laboratory Reports Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. This is not an anonymous assessment. Assessment Schedule (When) :2  72 hours    50       
Work Sheet (error analysis). Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. This is not an anonymous assessment. Assessment Schedule (When) :1  12 hours    10       

Recommended Texts

Reading lists are managed at readinglists.liverpool.ac.uk. Click here to access the reading lists for this module.