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Overview

Students will perform experiments that explore key principles in physics relating to both natural phenomena and modern technology. Provides a foundation in laboratory methods, including experimental design, modern measurement techniques, and data analysis.

This paper focuses on experimental skills and techniques in physics. Topics include electricity and magnetism, optics and lasers, thermal processes and atomic physics.

About this paper

Paper title Experimental Physics I
Subject Physics
EFTS 0.15
Points 18 points
Teaching period Semester 1 (On campus)
Domestic Tuition Fees ( NZD ) $1,318.20
International Tuition Fees Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website.
Prerequisite
One of PHSI 131, PHSI 132 or PHSI 191
Pre or Corequisite
MATH 130
Schedule C
Science
Contact

Professor Niels Kjaergaard

Teaching staff

Course Co-ordinator: Professor Niels Kjaergaard

Paul Yates

Dr Sam Lowrey

Textbooks

Required: Ifan G. Huges and Thomas P. A. Hase. (2010). Measurements and their Uncertainties: A Practical Guide to Modern Error Analysis. Oxford UP.

Graduate Attributes Emphasised
Global perspective, Interdisciplinary perspective, Lifelong learning, Scholarship, Communication, Critical thinking, Information literacy, Research, Self-motivation, Teamwork.
View more information about Otago's graduate attributes.
Learning Outcomes
After completing this paper students will be able to:
  1. Design an experiment to test a hypothesis or to measure physical quantities
  2. Use a range of modern techniques and apparatus for making physical measurements
  3. Use Matlab for basic data analysis
  4. Record experimental work carefully and accurately in a lab notebook
  5. Understand the importance of errors in measurement and be able to estimate and combine these errors

Overview

Students will perform experiments that explore key principles in physics relating to both natural phenomena and modern technology. Provides a foundation in laboratory methods, including experimental design, modern measurement techniques, and data analysis.

This paper focuses on experimental skills and techniques in physics. Topics include electricity and magnetism, optics and lasers, thermal processes and atomic physics.

About this paper

Paper title Experimental Physics I
Subject Physics
EFTS 0.15
Points 18 points
Teaching period Semester 1 (On campus)
Domestic Tuition Fees Tuition Fees for 2027 have not yet been set
International Tuition Fees Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website.
Prerequisite
One of PHSI 131, PHSI 132 or PHSI 191
Pre or Corequisite
MATH 130
Schedule C
Science
Contact

Associate Professor Jevon Longdell

Teaching staff

Associate Professor Jevon Longdell

Dr Tim Molteno

Textbooks

Required:

  • Ifan G. Huges and Thomas P. A. Hase. (2010). Measurements and their Uncertainties: A Practical Guide to Modern Error Analysis. Oxford UP.
Graduate Attributes Emphasised
Global perspective, Interdisciplinary perspective, Lifelong learning, Scholarship, Communication, Critical thinking, Information literacy, Research, Self-motivation, Teamwork.
View more information about Otago's graduate attributes.
Learning Outcomes

After completing this paper students will be able to:

  1. Design an experiment to test a hypothesis or to measure physical quantities
  2. Use a range of modern techniques and apparatus for making physical measurements
  3. Use Matlab for basic data analysis
  4. Record experimental work carefully and accurately in a lab notebook
  5. Understand the importance of errors in measurement and be able to estimate and combine these errors
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