Brief description
Science involves observing the world and finding ways of understanding it. In order to make such observations, instruments are used to determine a quantity or variable. This module will instruct students in the use of instruments from the simplest vernier callipers to sophisticated microcomputer control systems. The factors involved in the selection of the correct instrument for a particular application will be stressed. In order to extract the maximum information from the data acquired by an instrument, data handling and processing techniques are essential. These will include error analysis, curve fitting and data rejection and the use of microcomputers in such procedures will be an integral part of the module.

Learning outcomes
After taking this module students should be able to:

• keep a laboratory diary
• write laboratory reports using a word processing package
• understand the causes of experimental uncertainty
• present a value of a physical measurement together with its associated error
• use and appreciate the limitations of simple laboratory instruments

Additional learning activities
Use of SToMP (computer aided learning) for error analysis.

Outline syllabus
Introduction to the Web, WORD for Windows, Excel and MathCAD

Basic error analysis.

Keeping laboratory diaries and writing reports.

Basic laboratory instrumentation
a) verniers and micrometers
b) travelling microscopes
c) analogue and digital meters.