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 II
Code PHYS206
Coordinator Dr HL Vaughan
Central Teaching Laboratory
H.L.Vaughan@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2018-19 Level 5 FHEQ Whole Session 15

Aims

The aims of the module "Practical Physics II" are to teach how to

  • setup and calibrate equipment;
  • take reliable data;
  • obtain experimental results with associated errors;
  • compare experimental results with theoretical expectations;
  • use computer software for simulation and data analysis;
  • write experimental reports and scientific papers;
  • understand physics in depth by performing experiments;
  • develop practical and technical skills required for electronics experimentation;
  • use electronics in physical and technical applications.

Learning Outcomes

The students will acquire systematic understanding of practical physics and learn how to perform experiments using modern techniques.

They will understand in details the fundamental physics behind the experiments.

They will be trained in data analysis techniques using modern IT packages.

They will be familiar with modern techniques of data acquisition.

They will have enhanced ability to plan, execute and report the results of an investigation.

They will understand the concept of measurement errors and how they propagate to the final results.

They will be able to initiate and carry out projects.

Syllabus
1 

1 Practicals

  • Further training in experimental techniques and data analysis.
  • Making measurements, analysing data and drawing conclusions from a variety of experiments in physics appropriate to Year 2 of study.
  • Signals and components: Sinusoidal and pulse signals, voltage and current sources, resistive and reactive components.
  • Linear circuit analysis: D.C. circuit analysis; A.C. analysis using complex numbers.
  • Non-linear devices: diods, transistors, operational amplifiers.
  • Digital circuits and logic systems.
  • Sequential logic: Bistable systems - flip-flops with synchronous and asynchronous operation; Flip-flops as memory elements - binary counters and shift registers.
  • Interfaces: Digital to analogue (DAC) and analogue to digital (ADC) conversion - principles; DAC with w eighted resistor network; Counter ADC, integrator ADC, flash ADC.

Practical Syllabus

There are data analysis introduction and five experiments in the 1st semester:

  • Measurement of Planck’s constant;
  • Diffraction of light and dispersion of a Prism;
  • Measurement of e/m using the Zeeman effect;
  • Interaction of gamma-rays;
  • Compton Scattering.

Two 4-page reports describing selected experiments are required to be written using scientific article style. 

There are five electronics experiments in the 2nd semester:

  • CR Circuits;
  • The Junction Field-Effect Transistor;
  • The Operational Amplifier;
    • Logic Gates and Logic Circuits;
  • Digital-to-Analogue and Analogue-to-Digital Converters.

Students can select projects from the suggested list of projects or propose their own projects. The projects are focused on physical and technical applications of electronics.

Teaching and Learning Strategies

Laboratory Work - 12 x 6-hour practicals in the 1st semester and 5 x 6-hour practicals in the 2nd semester

Group Project - Project work at the end of the 2nd semester aimed to learn about physical and technical applications of electronics.

Lecture - Electronics lectures preparing for the experiments.

Teaching Schedule
  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours 5
Electronics lectures preparing for the experiments.
    102
12 x 6-hour practicals in the 1st semester and 5 x 6-hour practicals in the 2nd semester
  42
Project work at the end of the 2nd semester aimed to learn about physical and technical applications of electronics.
149
Timetable (if known)              
Private Study 1
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
Practical Assessment  Five experiments in   1st semester  30  No reassessment opportunity  Standard UoL penalty applies  General purpose experiments There is no reassessment opportunity, Additional practical sessions are not available. 
Coursework  Three reports in the  1st semester  20  Yes  Standard UoL penalty applies  Scientific reports 
Practical Assessment  Five electronics exp  2nd semester  25  No reassessment opportunity  Standard UoL penalty applies  Electronics experiments There is no reassessment opportunity, Additional practical sessions are not available. 
Coursework  Project work  Seven last weeks of the 2nd se  25  No reassessment opportunity  Standard UoL penalty applies  Project work There is no reassessment opportunity, Additional practical sessions are not available Notes (applying to all assessments) - none 

Recommended Texts
Reading lists are managed at readinglists.liverpool.ac.uk. Click here to access the reading lists for this module.
Explanation of Reading List: