Paper Description
This paper follows on from PHSI 282. Students will engage in research-style experimental projects that explore principles in physics relating to both the natural phenomena and modern technology. A key ingredient in the paper is developing communication skills by reporting laboratory results through a range of communication platforms (seminars, posters etc.).
The paper consists of 12 lectures (which will include student seminar contributions), and 12 four-hour practicals. Students follow an individual sequence of experiments through the semester, which are assigned by lottery.
Assessment:
Internally assessed.
Important information about assessment for PHSI381
Course Coordinator:
Associate Professor Harald Schwefel
Lecturers:
Harald Schwefel, Mikkel Andersen, Tim Molteno, Kirsten Franklin
Lab Demonstrators:
Paul Yates, Emma Douma
Textbook:
References will be given with individual experiments
- Retrieve literature to support the understanding of a research question
- Plan and carry out an experiment to illuminate a research question
- Capture data from a physical system by means of contemporary data acquisition tools, such as a digital storage oscilloscope, and apply appropriate modelling to the sampled data using curve-fitting tools
- Report on research findings verbally, visually and in writing
- Be familiar with good practice for experimental procedures and reporting of results
- Collaborate as part of a team to prioritise tasks and efficiently carry out an experiment
[Topics covered is correct as of 2019.]
| Topics Covered |
|---|
| Michelson interferometer |
| Fourier optics |
| Vibronic absorption spectrum of molecular iodine |
| Hall Effect |
| Acousto-optic modulator |
| Charge to mass ratio for an electron |
| The charge on an electron |
| External cavity diode laser & rubidium hyperfine structure |
| HeNe laser & Fabry Perot interferometer |
| Gravitational constant |
| Measuring photon shot noise |
| Near-field electrostatic communication |
| Optical data-link |
| Differential amplifiers |
| Control and manipulation using Arduino |
Formal University Information
The following information is from the University’s corporate web site.
Details
Research-style experimental projects that explore key physical principles in physics relating to both natural phenomena and modern technology.
A key ingredient in the paper is developing communication skills by reporting laboratory results through a range of communication platforms (seminars, posters, etc.).
| Paper title | Experimental Physics II |
|---|---|
| Paper code | PHSI381 |
| Subject | Physics |
| EFTS | 0.15 |
| Points | 18 points |
| Teaching period | Semester 2 (On campus) |
| Domestic Tuition Fees (NZD) | $1,141.35 |
| International Tuition Fees | Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website. |
- Prerequisite
- (PHSI 243 or PHSI 282) or EMAN 201
- Schedule C
- Science
- Contact
- harald.schwefel@otago.ac.nz
- More information link
- View more information about PHSI 381
- Teaching staff
Course co-ordinator: Associate Professor Harald Schwefel
Associate Professor Mikkel Andersen
Dr Tim Molteno- Textbooks
Measurements and Their Uncertainties, Hase & Hughes, Oxford (available as electronic resource from the Science Library).
- Graduate Attributes Emphasised
- Global perspective, Interdisciplinary perspective, Lifelong learning, Scholarship,
Communication, Critical thinking, Ethics, Information literacy, Research, Self-motivation,
Teamwork.
View more information about Otago's graduate attributes. - Learning Outcomes
Students who successfully complete the paper will:
- Retrieve literature to support the understanding of a research question
- Plan and carry out an experiment to illuminate a research question
- Capture data from a physical system by means of contemporary data acquisition tools, such as a digital storage oscilloscope, and apply appropriate modelling to the sampled data using curve-fitting tools
- Report on research findings verbally, visually and in writing
- Be familiar with good practice for experimental procedures and reporting of results
- Collaborate as part of a team to prioritise tasks and efficiently carry out an experiment
