Advanced Experimental Physics module (PH32006)

This module will extend your knowledge of experimental methods and data analysis. It will prepare you for your final-year project.

You will develop your communication skills with both other scientists and the public. A highlight is delivering a Student Science Fair to members of the public. You will learn to search and manage scientific literature, producing a literature review. As you undertake experiments, you will further build your understanding of uncertainties. Understanding the statistical significance of your results is a key part of the scientific method.

What you will learn

In this module, you will:

• conduct optics, thermodynamics, semiconductor, gravitational, nuclear, and particle physics experiments
• use a wide range of equipment and techniques, recording your work in a professional lab book
• perform risk assessments
• analyse data with Python and MATLAB using standard research and industry methods
• develop skills in searching and managing scientific references
• work as a team to create public engagement activities

By the end of this module, you will be able to:

• assess the statistical meaning of your results and avoid 'pathological science'
• critically read a wide range of scientific literature
• explore a complex scientific topic, reporting its developments in a review
• deliver activities to the public via our Student Science Fair

Assignments / assessment

• coursework (100%)
  • lab books
  • formal experimental report
  • literature review
  • public engagement activity

This module does not have a final exam.

Teaching methods / timetable

This module is taught through two three-hour lab sessions each week throughout the semester and a one-hour interactive professional physics session.