PHY1035 | 2025/6 | University of Exeter

MODULE TITLE	Experimental Physics	CREDIT VALUE	15
MODULE CODE	PHY1035	MODULE CONVENER	Dr Ben Sherlock, Dr Benjamin Gardner

DURATION: TERM	1	2	3
DURATION: WEEKS	10	10

Number of Students Taking Module (anticipated)	130

DESCRIPTION - summary of the module content

This module provides a broad foundation in experimental physics, upon which practical work in Stage 2 and subsequent years builds. Each week, you will work in small groups to undertake an experiment that has been curated to complement the material being covered in the preceding lectures. Examples of experiments will include studying the kinematics of coupled oscillators and working directly with data from the James Webb space telescope. At the beginning of each practical the module lead will provide a short introduction to the apparatus and the experimental skills that will be used during the practical – the latter will include topics such as how to keep a lab-book, dealing with noise and experimental uncertainty, and numerical approaches to compare theory with experiment.

AIMS - intentions of the module

Experimentation is one of the central activities of a scientist. Experimental observations form the bases for new hypotheses and test scientific theories. In this module, you will learn and apply the experimental method and develop your ability to make reliable measurements and to report them in an effective and ethical manner. Furthermore, you will be encouraged to develop and test your own hypotheses and report on these in a manner directly analogous to a professional scientist.

INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES (ILOs) (see assessment section below for how ILOs will be assessed)

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

4 Analyse and interpret experimental results

Discipline Specific Skills and Knowledge:

5 Keep accurate and thorough records via a lab-book

6 Discuss and critically analyse the results of investigations

7 Manage time (meeting deadlines for assignments)

8 Deliver written reports and poster presentations

9 Use experimental uncertainties to evaluate the significance that should be attributed to individual measurements

10 Demonstrate awareness of the importance of safety within the laboratory context and of the relevant legislation and regulations

Personal and Key Transferable/ Employment Skills and Knowledge:

11 Communicate effectively and accurately through a scientific report

12 Work in a cohesive and effective team

13 Know how to work with a range of core scientific tools

SYLLABUS PLAN - summary of the structure and academic content of the module

Laboratory sessions will open with brief introductions to key topics such as the scientific method, lab-book keeping, hypothesis development and testing, laboratory health and safety, and module assessments by a senior demonstrator. Periodically, the senior demonstrator will pause the experimental work to provide additional detail on the key topic of the session, introduce other key skills and stimulate the groups to engage in discussions about the interesting observations they have made.

LEARNING AND TEACHING

LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS (given in hours of study time)

Scheduled Learning & Teaching Activities	60	Guided Independent Study	90	Placement / Study Abroad	0

DETAILS OF LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS

Category	Hours of study time	Description
Scheduled Learning and Teaching	60	Laboratory practicals
Guided independent study	90	Additional research, reading and preparation for module assessments

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
Lab books feedback	Demonstrator assessments of lab books during class	1-5, 9-10, 12-13	Oral

SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT (% of credit)

Coursework	100	Written Exams	0	Practical Exams	0

DETAILS OF SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT

Form of Assessment	% of Credit	Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length)	ILOs Assessed	Feedback Method
Problem sets 1	2	Electronic problem sets	3-4, 7, 9-10	Individual marksheet
Problem sets 2	2	Electronic problem sets	3-4, 7, 9-10	Individual marksheet
Problem sets 3	2	Electronic problem sets	3-4, 7, 9-10	Individual marksheet
Problem sets 4	2	Electronic problem sets	3-4, 7, 9-10	Individual marksheet
Problem sets 5	2	Electronic problem sets	3-4, 7, 9-10	Individual marksheet
Coursework 1: Figure and Caption	10	Figure and caption	1-9, 12-13	Individual marksheet
Coursework 2: Introduction and Method	20	c.500 words	1-9, 12-13	Individual marksheet
Coursework 3: Results and Discussion	20	c.500 words	1-9, 12-13	Individual marksheet
Coursework 4: Final Report	40	1000 words	1-9, 12-13	Individual marksheet

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
Problem sets 1-5	Problem sets (10%)	3-4, 7, 9-10	Referral/deferral period
Coursework 1-4	Single final report (1000 words, 90%)	1-9, 12-13	Referral/deferral period

RE-ASSESSMENT NOTES

Since coursework 1 to 4 are partial steps towards the construction of the final report, during reassessment they will be combined into a single element, a final report. 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

Basic reading:

• Michael P. Marder (2011) Research Methods for Science, Cambridge University Press

• Hugh D. Young, Roger A. Freedman, "Sears & Zemansky's University physics with modern physics"

• John R. Taylor (2022), An introduction to error analysis: the study of uncertainties in physical measurements

Web-based and electronic resources:

• Module ELE page

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 16th May 2024	LAST REVISION DATE	Thursday 21st August 2025

KEY WORDS SEARCH	Physics; Data analysis; Experimental methods; Practical laboratory.

Experimental Physics - 2025 entry