PHYS 131 LAB – Spring 2011

Requirements

Classroom: Ulmer 216

Instructors: Dr. John Reid

Dr. Anamika Gopal

Hours:

Section 1: Monday, 2:30am to 5:20pm

Section 2: Monday, 6:00pm to 8:50pm

Section 3: Tuesday, 8:00am to 10:50am

Section 4: Tuesday, 2:10pm to 5:00pm

Section 5: Wednesday, 2:30pm to 5:20pm

Requirements for Lab:

1. Lab Manual

2. Laptop

3. Calculators

4. USB Flash Drive (for data transfer to laptop)

Learning Objectives:

This course is a lab companion to PHYS 131 which will serve to reinforce selected concepts through practical, hands-on demonstrations

Upon completion of this course the students will have gained the following:

· An intuitive sense for physics through experimental study of selected topics in the subject

· Skills to analyze interpret and present data, while recognizing its connection with theory studied in class.

· Confidence in using analysis software like Excel and DataStudio (Pasco) to analyse and present data.

· Further development of scientific writing skills.

Instructions On How To Approach These Labs:

• Please read through the lab manual before coming to lab each week to familiarize yourself with the purpose and concepts to be looked at that week.
• Please follow the exact order of the lab manual, the prediction and analysis questions have been asked at specific junctures in the lab to guide the student in understanding the concepts in the lab
• The Prediction Questions should be answered during the Lab Class on a separate sheet of paper and attached to the report and submitted
• Reports are due after one week, at the start of the next lab.
• The lowest lab grade will be dropped at the end of the semester.
• You are required to remain in class till the end of the lab session, final discussions will be reserved for the last 15 to 20 minutes of the lab
• Each Lab has a Report Requirements section at the end. These detail the main points that must be present in each lab report in order to not lose any points. The student may use this as a check list to ensure they have everything included everything required in the report.

Grading Structure / Rubric:

All Labs will be graded out of 100 points:

• Objective _______________________________________(5)
• Theory _________________________________________(5)
• Measuring Instruments Table _______________________(10)
• Data ___________________________________________(30)
• Analysis ________________________________________(30)
• Conclusion ______________________________________(20)

There will be no make-up labs, * if you miss attending a lab you may not take data from your lab mates to complete the report.

*Extenuating circumstances may be considered on a case by case basis if informed in a timely manner.

Required Conduct in Class:

· Cell phones, PDAs, headphones etc. must not be used during the class.

· Laptops may be used only for class related purposes

· Food or drink is strictly prohibited in class

· Please conduct yourselves professionally in class; communicating in a respectful language with your peers, guests or the instructor

· Participation in class discussions and activities is an important part of the learning process and is encouraged

Honor Code:

All students are expected to comply with the academic honesty policy as outlined in the LHUP student handbook. Violations will be subject to disciplinary action as specified in the student handbook and may result in failing the assignment, test or course depending on the severity of the violation. A copy of the handbook may be obtained by contacting the Department of Student Life or online at: http://www.lhup.edu/student-handbook/