phy3lab senior physics laboratory

SENIOR PHYSICS LABORATORY

PHY3LAB

2017

Credit points: 15

Subject outline

This subject forms the capstone laboratory experience for the Physics and Nanotechnology majors. Students will perfom 3 lab experiments where they will reproduce classic results from fields relevant to the research strengths of the discipline. Students will write a report summarising the results for each experiment and will provide an oral defence for each report. In this way, students will acquire the basic skills to design an experiment, acquire and analyse data and present their results to a professional level.

SchoolSchool of Molecular Sciences/LIMS

Credit points15

Subject Co-ordinatorDavid Hoxley

Available to Study Abroad StudentsYes

Subject year levelYear Level 3 - UG

Exchange StudentsYes

Subject particulars

Subject rules

Prerequisites PHY2MOD

Co-requisitesN/A

Incompatible subjectsN/A

Equivalent subjectsN/A

Special conditionsN/A

Graduate capabilities & intended learning outcomes

01. Critically review and analyse research data and compare and interpret the results with reference to the scientific literature.

Activities:
Students prepare an individual report in the style of a professional research journal article which accurately and ethically describes the experiment, its findings, and draws appropriate conclusions. Students are provided with a template on which to base their report.
Related graduate capabilities and elements:
Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
Discipline -Specific Knowledge and Skills(Discipline-Specific Knowledge and Skills)

02. Design and perform experiments related to essential concepts in modern physics using standard physics laboratory techniques, equipment and software which produce conclusive and accurate results.

Activities:
Students conduct, in pairs, three extended laboratory experiments of around 20 hours duration each in close consultation with a staff demonstrator, who assists them in the design and conduct of the experiment.
Related graduate capabilities and elements:
Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing,Speaking,Quantitative Literacy)
Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)
Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)

03. Describe and explain, in appropriate written and verbal style, the findings from laboratory experiments performed by the student. Answer verbal queries about the findings as presented in the written report.

Activities:
Students submit three laboratory reports detailing their interpretation of the results. The laboratory report mark contains a writing component. Students conduct an oral defense of each written report in the presence of the subject co-ordinator and one other research staff member.
Related graduate capabilities and elements:
Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing,Speaking,Quantitative Literacy)
Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing,Speaking,Quantitative Literacy)
Literacies and Communication Skills(Writing,Speaking,Quantitative Literacy)
Inquiry and Analytical Skills(Critical Thinking,Creative Problem-solving,Inquiry/Research)

Subject options

Select to view your study options…

Start date between: and    Key dates

Melbourne, 2017, Semester 2, Day

Overview

Online enrolmentYes

Maximum enrolment sizeN/A

Enrolment information

Subject Instance Co-ordinatorDavid Hoxley

Class requirements

Laboratory ClassWeek: 31 - 43
One 3.0 hours laboratory class per week on weekdays during the day from week 31 to week 43 and delivered via face-to-face.

WorkShopWeek: 31 - 43
Two 3.0 hours workshop per study period on weekdays during the day from week 31 to week 43 and delivered via face-to-face.
"Week 1 and 6"

Assessments

Assessment elementComments%ILO*
3 x written reports (2400 word equiv)4501, 02, 03
1 x 20 minute Oral defenseStudents answer questions on one of their written reports.3003
1 x 1 hour Lab Exam2503