Study information

Practical Physics I - 2023 entry

MODULE TITLEPractical Physics I CREDIT VALUE15
MODULE CODEPHY1027 MODULE CONVENERProf Volodymyr Kruglyak (Coordinator)
DURATION: TERM 1 2 3
DURATION: WEEKS 12 5
Number of Students Taking Module (anticipated) 142
DESCRIPTION - summary of the module content

This module provides a broad foundation in experimental physics, upon which practical work in Stage 2 and subsequent years builds. It starts with a short series of lectures, supplemented with a problem set, 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. The last of the experiments is done as a larger group and involves joint work on a poster, presented in a conference-like environment, and a formal report. Another component of this module is the PHY0000 Communication and Key Skills course.

AIMS - intentions of the module
Experimentation is one of the central activities of a scientist. Experimental observations form the bases for new hypotheses and test scientific theories. In this module, you will learn to understand and to apply the experimental method and develop your ability to make reliable measurements and to report them in an effective and ethical manner.  
INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES (ILOs) (see assessment section below for how ILOs will be assessed)

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs) 

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; 

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 reports and poster presentations; 

10. work in a team (working in pairs on standard experiments and in groups of four or more for extended experiments and poster presentations); 

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. interact with demonstrators in a laboratory environment;  

15. as specified in PHY0000 Communication and Key Skills component. 

 

SYLLABUS PLAN - summary of the structure and academic content of the module

General guidance on the module, experiments, data analysis and result reporting is provided in the Laboratory Manual.  Each experiment is described in a laboratory script.  

General supervision and assistance are available from the demonstrators during the timetabled practical sessions. Each demonstrator conducts the initial discussion and monitors the progress of the assigned students, taking a pastoral role and reporting any problems to the module leader. Feedback is given during an assessment and feedback discussion with a demonstrator. Poster presentations in the Student Conference are assessed by demonstrators.  

Note: The Communication and Key Skills content and activities are described in the PHY0000 component description. 

 

LEARNING AND TEACHING
LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS (given in hours of study time)
Scheduled Learning & Teaching Activities 93 Guided Independent Study 57 Placement / Study Abroad
DETAILS OF LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS
Category Hours of study time Description
Scheduled learning & teaching activities 3 hours 3×1-hour lectures
Guided independent study 6 hours 3×2-hour self-study packages (problem sets)
Scheduled learning & teaching activities 54 hours 18×3-hour practical laboratory sessions
Scheduled learning & teaching activities 6 hours 2×3-hour peer-assessment workshops 
Scheduled learning & teaching activities 3 hours 3-hour student conference 
Scheduled learning & teaching activities 21 hours Communication and Key Skills component (PHY0000)
Guided independent study 57 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
       

 

SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT (% of credit)
Coursework 50 Written Exams 0 Practical Exams 50
DETAILS OF SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT
Form of Assessment % of Credit Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length) When  ILOs Assessed Feedback Method

Experiments recorded in the lab-book,  
and a data analysis problem set;  the median mark is awarded

 40% Three lab-book assessments, 
and one 6-hour self-study package including a problem set		 Weeks T1:03 (problem set), T1:05 (lab book), T1:09 (lab book), T1:12 (lab book)  1-8,  
10-14 		 Written and verbal 

Experiments written up as formal experiment reports and presented as a conference poster; the median mark is awarded 

 50% Two 1250-word individual reports, 
one 1500-word group report, and one group poster presentation 		 Weeks T2:03 (standard report), T2:07 (standard report), T2:09 (group poster), T2:11 (group report)  1-14  Written and verbal 
Communications and key skills component PHY0000  10% as specified in PHY0000 as specified in PHY0000 15  Written and verbal 
Notes: Refer to the Undergraduate Handbook for details and marking criteria. Briefly, lab-books and reports for standard experiments are marked in a one-to-one assessment and feedback discussion, involving a demonstrator; reports for the extended experiment are marked by two demonstrators, without final discussions; marking of poster presentations involves multiple demonstrators and may be moderated via peer assessment.  
DETAILS OF RE-ASSESSMENT (where required by referral or deferral)
 
 
 
 
 
 

Original form of assessment 
 
 
 
 
 

Form of re-assessment 
 
 
 
 
 

ILOs re-assessed 
 
 
 
 
 

Time scale for re-assessment 
 
 
 
 
 

 

Experiments recorded in the lab-book,  
and a data analysis problem set; 

 
 
 
 
 

experiment, properly recorded in a lab-book 
 
 
 
 

 

1-8,  
10-14 

 
 
 
 
 

 

Summer period 

 
 
 
 
 
 

Experiments written up as formal experiment reports and presented as a conference poster; 

 
 
 
 
 

experiment, presented as a formal report (1250 words) 

 
 
 
 
 

1-14 

 
 
 
 
 

Summer Period 

 
 
 
 
 
 

Communications and key skills component PHY0000 

 
 
 
 
 

Recorded video/presentation explaining the process followed to perform the experiment. 

 
 
 
 
 

15 

 
 
 
 
 

Summer Period 

 

 

RE-ASSESSMENT NOTES
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

The following list is offered as an indication of the type & level of information that students are expected to consult. Further guidance will be provided by the Module Instructor(s). 

Core text: 

  • Not applicable 

Supplementary texts: 

  • Hugh D. Young, Roger A. Freedman, "Sears & Zemansky's University physics with modern physics" 

ELE: 

 

Reading list for this module:

There are currently no reading list entries found for this module.

CREDIT VALUE 15 ECTS VALUE 7.5
PRE-REQUISITE MODULES None
CO-REQUISITE MODULES None
NQF LEVEL (FHEQ) 4 AVAILABLE AS DISTANCE LEARNING No
ORIGIN DATE Thursday 15th December 2011 LAST REVISION DATE Tuesday 10th October 2023
KEY WORDS SEARCH Physics; Data analysis; Experimental methods; Practical laboratory; Record-keeping.

Please note that all modules are subject to change, please get in touch if you have any questions about this module.