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PHYS 1017/1019 Physics Skills I & II
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Unit Coordinator: |
Dr Tim Freegarde |
Semesters: |
1 and 2 |
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Prerequisites: |
A-level Physics and Mathematics |
Credit Points: |
10 |
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This is a core unit for all physics programmes |
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Introduction
The aim of the Physics Skills units is to develop a range of skills needed by a professional physicist, including
facility in conducting experiments and in analysing and reporting their results. Physics Skills 1 (PHYS1017)
runs in first semester and its companion Physics Skills 2 (PHYS1019) follows in the second semester. Classes
are held in the first year teaching lab and the teaching rooms in the Physics Building (Building 46).
Learning Outcomes
After studying this course, students should have developed their experimental skills by performing and
analysing a number of investigations in the laboratory. They should also be capable of keeping a record of
laboratory work in a logbook, and have learnt the requirements for presenting the results of experimental
work in a report.
Syllabus
Physics Skills I (PHYS1017) begins with a brief introduction (shared with an introduction to the Maths Module)
in the first week; weeks 2 and 3 are dedicated to a short course in Data Analysis. For the nine weeks of
experiments that then complete the semester, the class is divided into 3 groups (X, Y, and Z), each of which
is further divided into 3 sub-groups. Each sub-group cycles through the following 3 sets of experiments:
- Linked experiments, in which a particular subject is explored via an extended set of experiments;
- Stand-alone experiments, in which specific topics related to the first year syllabus are explored experimentally.
Each stand-alone experiment is expected to be completed within a single 4-hour session;
- Mini-projects, which give students an opportunity to develop their creativity by tackling a novel
problem with little prior instruction.
To prepare for the 'linked' experiments, Lab Prelim classes are sometimes held on Thursday afternoons.
Physics Skills II (PHYS1019) begins with a two week introduction to AC circuits, followed by nine weeks of
experiments as in Physics Skills I. There are no Lab Prelim classes for Physics Skills II. Note that PHYS1017
is a prerequisite for PHYS1019.
Teaching and Learning Methods
Teaching is through a course of 11-12 four-hour lab sessions per semester. First semester 'linked' experiments
are supplemented by one-hour preliminary lectures.
Non-contact Hours
Students are expected to carry out the preliminary exercises in preparation for each week's experiments.
Assessment Methods
Assessment is based upon set exercises, inspection of labbooks, discussion of the experiments with the students,
and the mini-project report. For the time being, marks from the Maths Module also contribute to this module.
Recommended Books and Course Materials
Other Course Information
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