PX2133: Intermediate Practical Physics 1
School | Cardiff School of Physics & Astronomy |
Department Code | PHYSX |
Module Code | PX2133 |
External Subject Code | 100425 |
Number of Credits | 10 |
Level | L5 |
Language of Delivery | English |
Module Leader | Dr David Westwood |
Semester | Autumn Semester |
Academic Year | 2013/4 |
Outline Description of Module
To further develop practical experimental and analytical skills through weekly structured laboratory sessions.
To provide experience of performing (short) open ended “projects” and so provide the necessary skills to undertake extended third or fourth-year practical physics projects.
To further develop 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 (working in pairs where possible) to manage and conduct a range of experiments or “projects” in four-hour weekly laboratory sessions.
Demonstrate awareness of safety issues for example through writing risk assessments.
Define, plan and execute (making good use of time management skills) at least one open ended “project” and scientifically (i.e. critically) analyse the acquired data in order to extract relevant physical quantities and meaning.
Write assessed formal reports, in a scientific style, based on one or more of the experiments or “projects” conducted during the semester.
How the module will be delivered
Laboratories 11 x 4 hrs. Marked diaries and reports.
Skills that will be practised and developed
Practical skills. Communications skills. Personal skills. Investigative skills. Computing skills. Analytical skills. Ethical behaviour.
How the module will be assessed
Coursework 100%.
Assessment Breakdown
Type | % | Title | Duration(hrs) |
---|---|---|---|
Written Assessment | 100 | Intermediate Practical Physics I | N/A |
Syllabus content
Experiments and “projects” of one or two session in duration (subject to change):
X-ray absorption (project) and
X-ray fluorescence (project)
Electron spin resonance
Nuclear magnetic resonance
The Normal Zeeman effect
Absorption spectrum of Iodine
Helmholtz pairs: uniform magnetic fields
Magnetic hysteresis and magnetic circuits (project)
Vapour pressure of nitrogen
Ratio of specific heat capacities
Band gap of a semiconductor
Measurement of G
Normal modes in an acoustic resonant chamber (project)
Precession of a Gyroscope
Torsion pendulum (project)
Vibrations of a classical guitar (project)
Refraction and dispersion in transparent solids
Optical reflection (and Fresnel’s equations)
Essential Reading and Resource List
Practical Physics, G L Squires (Cambridge).