Last modified: 15 Oct 2026 12:16
Physical theories, from subatomic particles to galaxies, must agree with experiment. In this course you will test ideas in optics, thermodynamics, materials science and astrophysics via laboratory and observational work. You will learn experimental techniques, data analysis and scientific communication. Activities use interferometers, spectrometers, telescopes, astronomy data and computers, supporting lecture topics and preparing you for work as experimental scientists after university.
| Study Type | Undergraduate | Level | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Term | Second Term | Credit Points | 15 credits (7.5 ECTS credits) |
| Campus | Aberdeen | Sustained Study | No |
| Co-ordinators |
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This course consists of a series of practical classes linked to third year lecture courses and expanding on the material taught in the previous years. Experiments will cover optics, astronomical observations, properties of matter and computer modelling and will introduce applications to astrophysics as well as reinforcing the principles of Physics and Astrophysics. The course will also introduce topics that will be covered more formally later in the Honours programme.
Information on contact teaching time is available from the course guide.
| Assessment Type | Summative | Weighting | 60 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment Weeks | 40 | Feedback Weeks | 42 | |
| Feedback |
The lab book is produced as work is carried out, and so will not take a substantial amount of the student’s time outside the lab. The lab book will be submitted and comments provided by the lecturer. Throughout the lab, informal feedback will be provided to guide student in this work. |
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| Knowledge Level | Thinking Skill | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Conceptual | Analyse | Interpreting data and results correctly. |
| Factual | Analyse | Analyse the goals of experiments to identify what must be done. |
| Factual | Evaluate | Critical analysis of work. |
| Factual | Remember | Recall Physics principles and experimental techniques correctly. |
| Factual | Understand | Demonstrate understanding of the problem. |
| Procedural | Apply | Execute experiments correctly. |
| Procedural | Evaluate | Implement error analysis appropriately. |
| Reflection | Create | Produce coherent lab diary and report. |
| Assessment Type | Summative | Weighting | 20 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment Weeks | 34 | Feedback Weeks | 39 | |
| Feedback |
Feedback provided by VLE shortly after presentation. Students will present in the groups in which they’ve undertaken lab experiments but will answer questions individually and the mark will be based on individual performance. |
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| Knowledge Level | Thinking Skill | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Conceptual | Analyse | Interpreting data and results correctly. |
| Factual | Analyse | Analyse the goals of experiments to identify what must be done. |
| Factual | Evaluate | Critical analysis of work. |
| Factual | Remember | Recall Physics principles and experimental techniques correctly. |
| Factual | Understand | Demonstrate understanding of the problem. |
| Procedural | Evaluate | Implement error analysis appropriately. |
| Assessment Type | Summative | Weighting | 20 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment Weeks | 40 | Feedback Weeks | 42 | |
| Feedback |
Submission via Turnitin, marked with written comments. |
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| Knowledge Level | Thinking Skill | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Conceptual | Analyse | Interpreting data and results correctly. |
| Factual | Analyse | Analyse the goals of experiments to identify what must be done. |
| Factual | Evaluate | Critical analysis of work. |
| Factual | Remember | Recall Physics principles and experimental techniques correctly. |
| Factual | Understand | Demonstrate understanding of the problem. |
| Procedural | Evaluate | Implement error analysis appropriately. |
| Reflection | Create | Produce coherent lab diary and report. |
There are no assessments for this course.
| Assessment Type | Summative | Weighting | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment Weeks | Feedback Weeks | |||
| Feedback |
Resubmission of failed elements (pass marks will be carried forward). If failed, the group presentation mark will be discounted. |
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| Knowledge Level | Thinking Skill | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
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| Knowledge Level | Thinking Skill | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Factual | Remember | Recall Physics principles and experimental techniques correctly. |
| Factual | Analyse | Analyse the goals of experiments to identify what must be done. |
| Conceptual | Analyse | Interpreting data and results correctly. |
| Procedural | Apply | Execute experiments correctly. |
| Factual | Understand | Demonstrate understanding of the problem. |
| Procedural | Evaluate | Implement error analysis appropriately. |
| Factual | Evaluate | Critical analysis of work. |
| Reflection | Create | Produce coherent lab diary and report. |
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