Study information

Practical Physics I - 2022 entry

MODULE TITLEPractical Physics I CREDIT VALUE15
MODULE CODEPHY1027 MODULE CONVENERProf Volodymyr Kruglyak (Coordinator)
DURATION: TERM 1 2 3
DURATION: WEEKS 12 5
Number of Students Taking Module (anticipated) 142
DESCRIPTION - summary of the module content

This module provides a broad foundation in experimental physics, upon which practical work in the stage 2 and subsequent years builds up. It starts with a short series of lectures, supplemented with  problems sets, on error analysis and graph plotting. Laboratory work is normally undertaken in pairs, with support from demonstrators. Experiments are recorded in lab-books and presented as formal reports. One of the experiments involves working as a larger group. Preparing and delivering oral presentation on an important physics experiment from the past in a conference-like environment is another component of this module, as is the PHY0000 Communication and Key Skills course held in 'Opportunities Week', i.e. T1:06.

AIMS - intentions of the module
Experimentation is one of the central activities of a scientist. Experimental observations form the bases for new hypotheses and also test scientific theories. In this module, you will learn to understand and apply the experimental method, develop your ability to make reliable measurements and report them in an effective and ethical manner.
 
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. plan and execute experimental investigations;
2. apply and describe a variety of experimental techniques;
3. identify, estimate, combine and quote experimental errors and uncertainties;
 
Discipline Specific Skills and Knowledge:
4. keep accurate and thorough records;
5. discuss and analyse critically results of investigations, including the use of computers for data analysis;
6. minimize experimental errors and uncertainties;
7. demonstrate awareness of the importance of safety within the laboratory context and of the relevant legislation and regulations;
8. identify the hazards associated with specific experimental apparatus, and comply with the safety precautions required;
9. deliver written and oral presentations (experiment write-ups, formal reports, group talk);
10. work in a team (working in pairs on standard experiments and in groups of four or more for extended experiments and talks);
11. manage time (meeting deadlines for assignments);
12. use computers for data analysis and collection;
13. collect, analyse and report data and conclusions in an ethical manner;
 
Personal and Key Transferable / Employment Skills and Knowledge:
14. as specified in PHY0000 Communications and Key Skills component.

 

SYLLABUS PLAN - summary of the structure and academic content of the module
Each experiment is described in a brief laboratory script and a short video. General guidance on experiments, data analysis and result reporting is provided in the Laboratory Manual.
 
General supervision and assistance are available from the demonstrators during the timetabled practical sessions. Each demonstrator conducts the initial discussion and monitors the progress of the assigned students, taking a pastoral role and reporting any problems to the Module Coordinator. Feedback is given on each experiment during a 15-minute final discussion with a demonstrator. For the oral presentation in the Student Conference, the assessment is made by demonstrators. 
 
Note: The Communication and Key Skills content and activities are described in the PHY0000 component description.

 

LEARNING AND TEACHING
LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS (given in hours of study time)
Scheduled Learning & Teaching Activities 84 Guided Independent Study 66 Placement / Study Abroad
DETAILS OF LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS
Category Hours of study time Description
Scheduled learning & teaching activities 3 hours 3×1-hour lectures
Guided independent study 6 hours 3×2-hour self-study packages (problem sets)
Scheduled learning & teaching activities 54 hours 18×3-hour practical laboratory sessions
Scheduled learning & teaching activities 6 hours 6-hour student conference
Scheduled learning & teaching activities 21 hours 3x1-day communications skills workshops (PHY0000)
Guided independent study 60 hours Reading and private study

 

ASSESSMENT
FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT - for feedback and development purposes; does not count towards module grade
Form of Assessment Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length) ILOs Assessed Feedback Method
Data analysis homework (0%) Three 2-hour problem sets (Term 1, Week 2) 3, 13 Written and verbal
       
       
       

 

SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT (% of credit)
Coursework 50 Written Exams 0 Practical Exams 50
DETAILS OF SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT
Form of Assessment % of Credit Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length) ILOs Assessed Feedback Method
Experiments, recorded in the lab book 40% Four lab book assessments (ca 2-week intervals in Term 1, Weeks 1-5 & 7-12) 1-8, 10-13 Written and verbal
Experiments, recorded in the lab book 40% Three 1250-word reports (ca. 3-week intervals in Term 2, Weeks 1-11) 1-9, 11-13 Written and verbal
Group oral presentation for the Student Conference 10% 20 minutes (Term 2, Week 3) 9, 10 Written and verbal
Communications and key skills component PHY0000 10% 3 days (Term 1, Week 6) 14 Written and verbal
 
Notes: Refer to the Undergraduate Handbook for details and marking criteria. Briefly,  lab-books and reports for standard experiments are marked in a one-to-one discussion between the student and a demonstrator; lab-book and reports for the extended experiment are marked without final discussions; oral presentations involve demonstrators and may be moderated via peer assessment.
 
DETAILS OF RE-ASSESSMENT (where required by referral or deferral)

Re-assessment is not available except when required by referral or deferral.

RE-ASSESSMENT NOTES

Re-assessment is not available for this module.

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
ELE:
 
 

Reading list for this module:

There are currently no reading list entries found for this module.

CREDIT VALUE 15 ECTS VALUE 7.5
PRE-REQUISITE MODULES None
CO-REQUISITE MODULES None
NQF LEVEL (FHEQ) 4 AVAILABLE AS DISTANCE LEARNING No
ORIGIN DATE Thursday 15th December 2011 LAST REVISION DATE Wednesday 30th March 2022
KEY WORDS SEARCH Physics; Data analysis; Experimental methods; Practical laboratory; Record-keeping.

Please note that all modules are subject to change, please get in touch if you have any questions about this module.