Studying at York
Experimental Laboratory for Astrophysics I - PHY00013C
Module will run
| Occurrence | Teaching cycle |
|---|---|
| A | Autumn Term 2018-19 to Summer Term 2018-19 |
Module aims
The first year laboratory course is aimed at building on the skills learned at school or college, and in the Introduction to Experimental Laboratory (part of the Professional Skills I module), by developing the core experimental competencies required of a physicist. In addition, the experiments will support topics in the first year lectures, which will help to reinforce ideas presented in these modules.
In the first year laboratory you will learn how to use some equipment which plays a key role in a wide range of experiments. The module provides a number of core experiments, including experiments specific to astrophysics students, an observational project, and also the option of experiments in electronics or programming in Fortran 90. You will learn how to analyse experimental results, how to assess errors and how to present your work in a formal report.
The project involves working in a group on an observational astronomy problem. This will give you the opportunity to show initiative in experimental work and to use the library and other resources in researching the topic of your project. The project culminates in a conference-style presentation at which your group presents a poster and gives a talk.
Full details of the experiments and organisation of the laboratory are in the First Year Laboratory Handbook, provided on the web and in the laboratory.
Module learning outcomes
- Demonstrate good experimental practice, including accurate record keeping
- Demonstrate skills in observational astronomy
- Be able to plan and execute experiments
- Be able to identify, assess and analyse errors, including their minimisation
- Critically appraise and discuss your experimental results
- Have developed skills in a range of experimental techniques and in the operation of equipment including the telescope in the observatory.
- Be able to communicate and present results.
Module content
Syllabus
- Core physics experiments and core astrophysics experiments, details of which are in the First Year Laboratory Handbook and laboratory scripts provided
- For details of the Fortran 90 syllabus, see under Laboratory for Theoretical Physics
Assessment
| Task | Length | % of module mark |
|---|---|---|
| Essay/coursework Coursework Tasks |
N/A | 3 |
| Essay/coursework Formal Report |
N/A | 25 |
| Essay/coursework Lab Books |
N/A | 38 |
| Essay/coursework Lab Books (Electronics) |
N/A | 19 |
| Essay/coursework Project |
N/A | 15 |
Special assessment rules
Non-compensatable
Reassessment
| Task | Length | % of module mark |
|---|---|---|
| Essay/coursework Coursework Tasks |
N/A | 3 |
| Essay/coursework Formal Report |
N/A | 25 |
| Essay/coursework Lab Books |
N/A | 38 |
| Essay/coursework Lab Books (Electronics) |
N/A | 19 |
| Essay/coursework Project |
N/A | 15 |
Module feedback
Term 1&2 Experiment Lab Books - You will receive a mark for the laboratory note book from the demonstrator. You will get feedback through a brief (few minute) discussion during this marking.
Term 2 Project Lab Books - You will receive a mark for the project laboratory note book when your formal report is returned. You will get feedback on project progress through a brief (few minute) discussion during each lab session.
Error Assignments - Your error assignment will be marked and will indicate where you have lost marks or made mistakes.
Formal report -You will receive your report back along with a mark sheet that provides a mark and a set of comments/suggestions for each section of the report. Individual verbal feedback on formal reports will be provided if requested (see the Laboratory Coordinator for this)
Term 3 Experiment Lab Books - You will receive a mark for the laboratory note book from the demonstrator. You will get feedback through a brief (few minute) discussion during this marking.
Indicative reading
Squires: Practical Physics (Cambridge)
