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Experimental Laboratory for Astrophysics I - PHY00013C

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  • Department: Physics
  • Module co-ordinator: Dr. Stuart Cavill
  • Credit value: 20 credits
  • Credit level: C
  • Academic year of delivery: 2018-19

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)


The information on this page is indicative of the module that is currently on offer. The University is constantly exploring ways to enhance and improve its degree programmes and therefore reserves the right to make variations to the content and method of delivery of modules, and to discontinue modules, if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary by the University. Where appropriate, the University will notify and consult with affected students in advance about any changes that are required in line with the University's policy on the Approval of Modifications to Existing Taught Programmes of Study.