Basic Measurement Science and Experimental Physics

Objectives

The course aims to provide an introduction to modern measurement technology and PC based data acquisition, general use of measurement instruments, calculation of measurement uncertainty as well as analysis of measurement data. Furthermore, the course provides an understanding of how standard measurement principles can be applied within different parts of physics.

Content

The course covers topics such as the calculation of measurement uncertainty, measurement of electrical signals and components, PC-based data acquisition, calculation of the gravitational constant, mechanical and electrical oscillations, heat capacity for gases and radioactivity.

On completion of the course the student should have the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:

Knowledge

The student

• has knowledge of standard measurement instruments.
• has knowledge of how to estimate measurement uncertainty.

Skills

The student

• can assemble simple experimental setups, including electrical circuits, and use standard measurement instruments.
• can make use of a programming tool for PC-based data acquisition and present measurement data electronically.

General competence

The student

• can write a lab report based on a set of formal requirements.
• can plan and conduct experimental work inn a group work setting.