Fysiikan laboratoriotyöt (FYSLM0003), 3 op

Basic information

Prerequisites

Course contents (core content level)

Laboratory exercises and experiments are carried out by students working in small groups. Both traditional and computer based measurement systems are used. Students are also thought mathematical methods for analyzing data. In many experiments computers are applied for data collection, analysis and graphical display of data. Basic concepts of error analysis and uncertainty estimation are introduced. Students write laboratory reports, in which they describe the experimental arrangements and results of the measurements, data analysis, calculations and final results including estimated uncertainties.

Course contents (additional)

The following list of titles gives examples of subject matters that may be covered in the laboratories.
Some 8-10 subjects will be chosen.
Calibration of sensors, accuracy and computer based measurement system
Spring constant, spring oscillations and acceleration due to gravity
Measurements of Young´s and shear modulus
Force and accelerometer sensor measurements for determination of friction coefficients
Harmonic motion and osillations with ultrasounsd and force sensors
Dynamic track measurements with ultrasound, force and accelerometer sensors
Accelerometer sensor measurements for studying lift motion
Measurement of the specific heat of vaporization of water
Energetics of a bouncing ball
Calorimetric measurements
Measurements of thermal radiation
Surface tension
Capacitor and dielectric constant of a material
On line measurements of operational parameters of RC-circuit, Sì-diode, Ge-diode, LED`s with different colors
Electromagnetic induction
Resistivity as a function of temperature for thermistors and platinum resistor sensor
Measurement of charge-to-mass ratio for electron
Lenses
Spectrometer, grating, prism and index of refraction
Measurements of radioactivity
Absoption of gamma- and beta-radiation
Measurement of the energy gap between conduction and valence band for germanium semiconductor
Measurement of the Planck's with photoelectric effect
GPS

Core content level learning outcomes (knowledge and understanding)

The course illustrates to the student the experimental basis of physics. It gives the student insight in how the physical laws and equations introduced in the physics theory courses can be tested. It also gives to the student a versatile picture about both traditional measurement devices and modern computer based measuring systems which, for example, make possible real-time observation and data collection of time-dependent quantities.

Core content level learning outcomes (skills)

When completing this course the student gets experience in making measurements. The student learns to use a number of measuring devices in practice and becomes aware of the possibilities of modern measuring systems. The student learns applications of computer based measurement systems and sensors and achieves the skills of estimating measurement uncertainties and writing reports.

Recommended reading

Arminen E, Mäkelä R, Mäkinen E, Puhakka P, Vierinen K, Fysiikan laboratoriotyöt, 1998, Tammertekniikka
Course material available in the portal

Teaching and learning strategies

Laboratories: 42 h
Individual learning assignment: 10 h
Student?s workload: student workload analysis not carried out
Total: -

Teaching methods and student workload

Assessment weighting and grading

The assessment is mainly based on the laboratory reports worked out by the students. About half of the reports are personal and the rest of them may be written in co-work by the group members. However, each student must give at least a short summary of main results and conclusions concerning every experiment. The reports should be well-organized, accurate, clear, concise and easy to read. In addition, individual working, positive attitude for learning and activity in solving problems met in course of making experiments are virtues that also affect in the student assessment.

Related competences of the degree programme

Theoretical basis and mathematical and science skills