Physics Practicals (One-term/semester inbound exchange) - 2023 entry
| MODULE TITLE | Physics Practicals (One-term/semester inbound exchange) | CREDIT VALUE | 15 |
|---|---|---|---|
| MODULE CODE | PHY2033 | MODULE CONVENER | Prof Volodymyr Kruglyak (Coordinator) |
| DURATION: TERM | 1 | 2 | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| DURATION: WEEKS | 12 |
| Number of Students Taking Module (anticipated) | 1 |
|---|
DESCRIPTION - summary of the module content
This module provides a basic foundation in experimental physics for Physics Majors on one-semester study-abroad programmes. It starts with a short series of lectures, supplemented with on-line notes, 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. An optional component of this module is particiption in the PHY0000 Communication and Key Skills course held in week T1:06.
AIMS - intentions of the module
Experiment is one of the central activities of a scientist. Experimental observations form the basis 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 presentations (experiment write-ups and formal reports) in English;
10. work with others (normally in pairs) on experiments;
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. (optional) as specified in PHY0000 Communications and Key Skills component.
SYLLABUS PLAN - summary of the structure and academic content of the module
Students are provided with a Laboratory Manual in which the experiments for this module are summarised. There is some choice of which experiments are undertaken. Each experiment is described in detail in a 2-4 page laboratory script.
General supervision and assistance are available in the laboratory from the demonstrators. Each demonstrator monitors the progress of the assigned pairs, taking a pastoral role and reporting any problems to the Module Coordinator. Feedback is given on each experiment during a 15-minute marking session with a demonstrator. For the oral presentation in the Student Conference, the assessment is made by all demonstrators with partial input from the students.
Note: The Communication and Key Skills course is an optional element of this module. It held over three days in the middle of term; this exercise is described in the PHY0000 component description.
LEARNING AND TEACHING
LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS (given in hours of study time)
| Scheduled Learning & Teaching Activities | 85 | Guided Independent Study | 65 | Placement / Study Abroad |
|---|
DETAILS OF LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS
| Category | Hours of study time | Description |
| Scheduled learning & teaching activities | 4 hours | 4×1-hour lectures |
| Guided independent study | 4 hours | 1×4-hour self-study package |
| Scheduled learning & teaching activities | 60 hours | 20×3-hour practical laboratory sessions |
| Scheduled learning & teaching activities | 21 hours | (Optional) 3×1-day communications skills workshops (PHY0000) |
| Guided independent study | 61 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%) | One 4-hour problems set (Term 1, Week 2 (Mon)) | 3, 13 | Written and verbal |
| Communications and key skills component PHY0000 (0%) | 3 days (Term 1, Week 6) | 14 | Written and verbal |
SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT (% of credit)
| Coursework | 60 | Written Exams | 0 | Practical Exams | 40 |
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DETAILS OF SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT
| Form of Assessment | % of Credit | Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length) | ILOs Assessed | Feedback Method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Experiment, recorded in the notebook | 20% | Two notebook assessments (ca 1-week intervals in Term 1, Week 2 and Week 3) | 1-8, 10-13 | Written and verbal |
| Experiment, written up as formal experiment report | 30% | 1500-word report (Term 1, Week 6) | 1-9,11-13 | Written and verbal |
| Experiment, recorded in the notebook | 20% | Two notebook assessments (ca 1-week intervals in Term 1, Week 7 and Week 8) | 1-8, 10-13 | Written and verbal |
| Experiment, written up as formal experiment report | 30% | 1500-word report (Term 2, Week 12) | 1-9,11-13 | Written and verbal |
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
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 | None |
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| CO-REQUISITE MODULES | None |
| NQF LEVEL (FHEQ) | 5 | AVAILABLE AS DISTANCE LEARNING | No |
|---|---|---|---|
| ORIGIN DATE | Thursday 9th December 2021 | LAST REVISION DATE | Thursday 26th January 2023 |
| KEY WORDS SEARCH | Physics; Data analysis; Experimental methods; Practical laboratory; Record-keeping. |
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Please note that all modules are subject to change, please get in touch if you have any questions about this module.
