The primary aim of this course is to show students the experimental evidence underlying a number of topics in physics encountered in lecture courses and textbooks and thereby reinforce and enhance their understanding. A secondary aim is to introduce students to techniques they might encounter in a physics-related career.
After studying this course students should:
have achieved the specific learning outcomes listed for each topic in the course manual. have further developed their general laboratory skills such as planning, observation, record keeping, processing and interpreting results. have improved their presentation and communication skills through writing a report, delivering a paper and participating in a poster session.
A wide variety of physics topics is covered. These currently include:
High Temperature Superconductors, Preparation and Characterisation X-Ray Diffraction X-Ray fluorescence High Resolution Gamma Ray Spectroscopy Scintillation Counter Telescope Dielectric constant of gases Refractive index of gases Experimental Neodymium YAG Laser Laser Doppler Anemometry Fluorescence of laser glasses Computational Modelling Analysis of astronomical data Measurement of fundamental constants Magnetic susceptibility of ferromagnets and antiferromagnets
| Activity | Description | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Specialist Lab | 6 | |
| Specialist Lab | 12 |
The 4 scripted experiments are each assessed by a staff demonstrator and a 30 minute viva.
The Micro-project is assessed by a staff demonstrator.| Method | Hours | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|---|
| 4 Scripted Experiments | - | 64% |
| Micro-project | - | 16% |
| Poster presentation | - | 20% |
Referral Method: There is no referral opportunity for this syllabus in same academic year