Learning Outcomes
On completion of this module, students should be able to:
1. keep a laboratory diary
2. write laboratory reports using a word processing package
3. determine the causes and minimize the effect of experimental uncertainty
4. present a value of a physical measurement together with its associated error
5. use and appreciate the limitations of simple laboratory instruments
6. use MathCad to perform basic computational exercises in physics
7. apply the above skills to the performance of basic experiments in physics
Brief description
Experimentation is a fundamental part of the physical sciences process. It allows us to understand the world around us, to develop theories and to test those theories. However, in recent years, computational physics has added a new dimension to this area because the power of modern computers and software has made realistic simulations of complex phenomena possible. This has widened the areas that are accessible to physicsits as well as introducing a new discipline, computational physics, into the curriculum. The widespread use of computer modelling in industrial, financial and managerial areas has meant that students with these skills are in very demand. This module will introduce physics undergraduates to the key areas of computational physics and experimentation which can be used to understand the world around us, and learn how to use the power of computational physics to enhance the design and interpretation of experimental results.
Content
Introduction to PC packages available in the teaching laboratories.
Introduction to computational physics using MathCad.
Basic error analysis.
Keeping laboratory diaries and writing reports.
Students will be expected to perform experiments in two of the three general areas shown below. The choice will be determined by degree scheme of the student.
1. Analogue and digital electronics.
2. Fundamental constants and radioactivity.
3. Astrophysics