PH25010 - EXPERIMENTAL METHODS AND SKILLS IN PHYSICS

Module Identifier	PH25010
Module Title	EXPERIMENTAL METHODS AND SKILLS IN PHYSICS
Academic Year	2002/2003
Co-ordinator	Dr Geraint O Thomas
Semester	Semester 1
Other staff	Dr Lorraine A Allen
Pre-Requisite	Core Physics Modules at Level 1
Course delivery	Practical	Laboratory. 11 four hour sessions
Assessment	Semester Assessment	Course Work: Worked excamples and portfolio	20%
	Semester Assessment	Course Work: Assignements	30%
	Semester Assessment	Course Work: Individual Project	30%
	Semester Assessment	Presentation: Gregynog and group work	20%

Learning outcomes

After taking this module students will;

Be familiar with Visual Basic programming, including the use of mathematical equations, loops, arrays, conditional statements, and subroutines.
Be able to use Visual Basic to create simple graph plots
Be able to apply Visual Basic to model and solve relevant physics-based problems.

Brief description

This module is an introduction to programming in Visual Basic. Students learn how to work with mathematical equations, loops, arrays, conditional statements, functions, and subroutines in the Visual Basic environment. These computer skills are applied to physics-based problems. The module includes an optional 3-day careers-based course and (required) exposure to certain broader scientific ideas.

Content

Most classes will consist of a short lecture introducing new computer skills. Students will work with the computer language and apply learned concepts. Students are expected to fulfill required reading and computer assignments outside of class.

Transferable skills

Scientific programming
Scientific approach to the analysis of problems
Group work

Reading Lists

Books
A range of suitable textbooks is available in the laboratory..