Module: Practical

Module Specifications.

Current Academic Year 2024 - 2025

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Date posted: September 2024

Module Title	Practical
Module Code	PVS106 (ITS) / PHY1083 (Banner)
Faculty	Science & Health	School	Physical Sciences
Module Co-ordinator	-
Module Teachers	-
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5
Pre-requisite	Not Available
Co-requisite	Not Available
Compatibles	Not Available
Incompatibles	Not Available

None
Array

Description

The purpose of this module is to introduce participants to fundamental methodologies required in experimental laboratories. In this module students will develop knowledge and skills relating to good laboratory practice, performing basic measurements using a range of experimental instrumentation, data analysis and error analysis of results with an emphasis on the importance of the accuracy and precision of the results. The experiments covered serve to reinforce concepts covered in lecture modules. Students are expected to attend the laboratories, set-up and perform supervised experiments, and submit a written report that includes background theory, raw experimental data presented in an appropriate manner, along with a full data and error analysis of the experimental results.

Learning Outcomes

1. Perform basic experimental measurements and record data.
2. Tabulate and plot graphs of experimental data.
3. Apply appropriate safety practice in the laboratory.
4. Identify main sources of experimental error in an experiment and calculate the experimental error on a result.
5. Carry out a statistical analysis of results when appropriate.
6. Point out the connection between the physics theory covered in lectures and the results obtained in the laboratory.
7. Prepare a written report on the work performed in the lab.

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full-time hours per semester
Total Workload: 0

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

-Basic electrical experiments including introduction to the Oscilloscope, Soldering and Current and Voltage Measurements-Basic optics including lenses, Laser Light, Young's slits and Diffraction Grating-Statistics-Data Collection , analysis and reporting

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment	0%	Examination Weight	0%

Type	Description	% of total
Course Work Breakdown
Laboratory Portfolio	Perform experiments and record data that relate to the material covered in PVS102, PVS103, PVS104 and PVS105	40%
Report(s)	Write a report on the experiments including background theory, tabulated data, graphs, data analysis, error estimation and conclusion.	60%

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories: Resit category 1: A resit is available for both* components of the module. Resit category 2: No resit is available for a 100% continuous assessment module. Resit category 3: No resit is available for the continuous assessment component where there is a continuous assessment and examination element.
* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a Continuous Assessment/Examination split; where the module is 100% continuous assessment, there will also be a resit of the assessment
This module is category -

Indicative Reading List

H. D. Young: 1992, University Physics, Addison Wesley,

Other Resources