Experimental and Professional Physics II module (PH32006)
Build upon your learning from Level 2. You will test theories of the physical world around us. This will cover from sub-atomic structure to universe scale effects
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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.
Courses
This module is available on following courses: