This page contains information for physics laboratory modules, including both general information and some course specific information.
General Information
Laboratory Documents
Laboratory SafetyLaboratory safety regulationsLaboratory safety regulations
Sample Text Safety in Undergraduate Laboratories Universities have a legal duty to provide such supervision as is necessary to ensure the health and safety of .... undergraduate students. (CVCP Note of Guidance N/89/166). This is the policy of IMAPS, University of Wales, Aberystwyth. This document summarizes the safety regulations for students undertaking practical or project work in IMAPS. The responsibility for safety is shared by all staff and students working in undergraduate laboratories. These laboratories must be operated in a manner that is consistent with the safety procedures of the Institute. Students attend laboratories to carry out standard laboratory experiment modules, which are normally supervised as a class by one or more staff member, or individual projects, supervised by a specific named member of staff. In this document, the term supervisor applies to both situations |
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General InformationKeeping a laboratory diaryKeeping a laboratory diary
Sample Text Guidelines for keeping a laboratory diary It is very important in experimental work to keep a daily record of the work being performed. No matter how confident you may feel at the time, human memory is too fallible and every piece of information or idea should be entered in writing in a laboratory diary. Writing a laboratory reportWriting a laboratory report
Sample Text Formal Reports From time to time in laboratory modules, you will be expected to produce a formal report on selected experiments carried out in the laboratory. This report is the method by which you communicate your experimental work and its results and interpretation to the outside world. Its importance cannot therefore be overestimated. The aim of the report is to convey to the reader as clearly, concisely and convincingly as possible the description of the work of the experimenter. The most important single point in report writing is clarity. It is possible to distinguish two types of report. Usually, in physics, you will be writing a scientific report on an experiment which illustrates some physical principal. However, it sometimes happens that you might be involved in a project which designs and constructs some form of instrument. In this case, you will write a design report. Both types of report have common elements. Common elements will be in black script. Specialist elements will be in green for scientific reports and blue for design reports. An example laboratory report
Writing a project dissertationWriting a project dissertation
Sample Text Writing a project dissertation The dissertation is a critical review of the literature that addresses the major question, or series of question, relevant to your research topic. It is important that it conveys the current state of knowledge on the topic to the reader as clearly, concisely and convincingly as possible. You are strongly encouraged to work independently on your review, but the occasional guidance from your supervisor can often quickly put you on the correct track. |
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General Assessment InformationThe formulae and constants exam bookletThe formulae and constants exam bookletThis booklet is a duplicate of that for use during University examinations. It is not for examination purposes, and should not be taken into examinations. A version of this booklet will be provided in examinations where appropriate.
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Computing NotesFortran 90 notesFortran 90 notes
Sample Text Resources While this document is self-contained, those interested in a Fortran 90 textbook should consult:
There are copies in the library, although it is a text well worth purchasing if you envisage using Fortran90 a lot in the future (e.g., for a numerical project or a fairly computational PhD). In addition, you may want to download a Fortran 90 compiler for your own computer/laptop. Free and commercial Fortran compilers for windows and Linux can be found at the following websites The F compiler is a cutdown version that should work fine, G95 is an open-source Fortran 95 compiler that should be okay as well. Fortran 95 compilers are backwards compatible with Fortran 90. Note, if you do download a compiler and write course material on your own computer, you should also test them on the course server - particularly programs that are to be assessed. PGplot worksheetPGplot worksheet
PH36010 Numerical Methods Worksheet 1Using the PGPLOT libraries The aim of this worksheet is learn how to incorporate external libraries into our Fortran 90 programs. The particular library that we will consider is the PGPLOT library which adds two-dimensional graph plotting capability to Fortran. MathCAD 8 notesMathCAD 8 notes
Sample Text Introduction to the use of MathCAD 8 1. What is MathCAD? MathCAD is a special programming language that makes it really easy to solve mathematical equations. They can be typed in just as they are written on paper, and the solutions displayed as a graph with very little fuss. Files containing scripts to solve a particular problem can be stored on disk. MathCAD is ideally suited to mathematical modelling - trying out various equations and seeing what the results look like. MathCAD version 8 is available on the computers in the Physics laboratories and over the College network via START: courseware: physics. Easyplot notesEasyplot notes
Sample Text Easyplot in a Nutshell Introduction Easyplot allows you to do 2-D, 3-D, polar and multiple graphs and contour plots. You can also fit curves to your data or plot mathematical expressions. Easyplot is available on all the Physics Department computers and to Physics students across the campus via the Physics Department software. It is fast and easy to use, and generates publication-quality graphs. |
Foundation Year
Year 0 (Foundation): PH05010 and PH05510 - Laboratory Physics
These modules give an introduction to experimental physics. Emphasis is placed on the training of students to use basic instruments, perform simple error calculations and critically assess results in order to draw reliable conclusions.
For further information on PH05010, click here
First Year
Year 1: PH15720 (PH15510) - Introduction to Computational and Experimental Physics
The module introduces physics undergraduate students to the key areas of computational physics and experimentation, which can be used to understand the world around us. Students learn how to use the power of computational physics to enhance the design and interpretation of experimental results.
For further information on PH15720, click here
Second Year
Year 2: PH25520 - Experimental Physics
The module is focused on developing the skills necessary for experimental physics. Students work in small groups to research the background of experiments, examine the equipment available, develop experimental strategy and analyse the results of the experiments. The module is a bridge between the Part-1 laboratory and the projects of later years.
For further information on PH25520, click here
Third Year
Year 3: PH37540 (PH35620) - Project
Students work in pairs under the guidance of a project supervisor to investigate a particular scientific problem in depth, making full use of the scientific literature. They are responsible for planning and managing their project, and will present the scientific results in oral and written reports.
For further information on PH37540, click here
Fourth Year
Year 4 (MPhys): PHM5860 - Extended Project
The students plan and implement a major project normally within one of the research groups in the institute under the supervision of a project supervisor. They interpret and discuss the results in terms of the current knowledge of the research topic, and present their work in both an oral presentation and a formal written report.
For further information on PHM5860, click here