Fysiikan laboratoriotyöt (FYSLP0003), 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 taught 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 reports including descriptions of the experimental arrangements and observations, data analysis, final results and uncertainty estimates.

Course contents (additional)

Students carry out 8 to 10 experiments. The following topics are examples of the optional choices.

Calibration of sensors, computer-based measurement system
Determination of Young?s and shear modulus
Force sensor measurements for determination of friction coefficients
Harmonic motion
Accelerometer sensor measurements for studying lift motion
Determination of the specific heat of vaporization of water
Calorimetric measurements
Measurements of thermal radiation, determination of surface emittance
Surface tension measurements with very sensitive Hall-effect force sensor
Condenser and permittivity of insulating matter
Electromagnetic induction
Measurements of radioactivity
Absorption of gamma-radiation

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 how to use variety of measuring devices and becomes aware of the possibilities of modern measuring systems. The student learns applications of computer-based measurement systems and sensors and achieves skills of estimating measurement uncertainties and writing reports.

Recommended reading

Arminen E, Mäkelä R, Mäkinen E, Puhakka P, Vierinen K, Fysiikan laboratoriotyöt, 1998, Tammertekniikka

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 8-10 laboratory 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