PX1123: Experimental Physics 1

School Cardiff School of Physics & Astronomy
Department Code PHYSX
Module Code PX1123
External Subject Code 100425
Number of Credits 10
Level L4
Language of Delivery English
Module Leader Dr Philip Buckle
Semester Autumn Semester
Academic Year 2020/1

Outline Description of Module

To develop practical experimental and analytical skills through weekly structured laboratory sessions.

To introduce select concepts of optics, scientific instrumentation and electronics.

To introduce skills relating to the written communication of scientific information.

Through select experiments to reinforce important physics concepts.

On completion of the module a student should be able to

Demonstrate their practical ability by individually managing and conducting a range of experimental tasks in four-hour weekly laboratory sessions.

Demonstrate awareness of safety issues for example through writing risk assessments.

Produce a laboratory diary (assessed weekly) in which he/she records their measurements and observations, analyses data and draws conclusions.

Determine best estimates for true values and random errors from multiple measurements of the same point or data represented by a hand-drawn straight line graph.

Compare measured and theoretical Gaussian data distributions and extract statistical parameters.

Determine whether a significant systematic error is present by comparison with known values.

Write an assessed formal report, in a scientific style, based on one of the experiments conducted during the semester.

How the module will be delivered

Blended, combining some face to face  lab sessions with on line preparation and support activities.

Skills that will be practised and developed

Practical physics. Verbal and written skills. Investigative skills. Computing skills. Analytical skills. Ethical behaviour.

How the module will be assessed

Continuous Assessment 100%.

Assessment Breakdown

Type % Title Duration(hrs)
Written Assessment 100 Coursework N/A

Syllabus content

Induction and an introduction to interpreting data.

Experiments (subject to change):

Young’s modulus
Coefficients of friction
Variations of resistance with temperature
The cathode ray oscilloscope and circuit construction
Optical diffraction
Computer data logging and RC circuits
Statistics of experimental data (Gaussian distribution)
Propagation of sound in gases
AC to DC conversion using diode circuits
Microwaves

Essential Reading and Resource List

Click the following link to access the reading list for this module via our new interactive reading list software:

https://whelf-cardiff.alma.exlibrisgroup.com/leganto/public/44WHELF_CAR/lists/6035314870002420?auth=SAML

This will give you information such as where to find items in the library and links to relevant online materials.  


Copyright Cardiff University. Registered charity no. 1136855