PHYS 401 :: Physics Illinois :: University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Course Description

Overview

Physics 401 is a one-semester advanced lab course that introduces students to essential experimental techniques in the context of classical mechanics and electromagnetism. You will follow the full scientific process — from planning and executing experiments to analyzing data and presenting your findings — as preparation for independent research, graduate study, or technical work in industry.

Key Priorities of the Course:

Foundational Concepts: You will explore key concepts that are typically not covered in introductory courses, such as Fourier domain signal analysis, synchronous detection, wave propagation in transmission lines, and magnetic hysteresis, but not limited to these topics.
Research Methodology: You will gain a solid foundation in the principles of scientific research, learning how to plan experiments, interpret data, and apply critical thinking to draw meaningful conclusions.
Advanced Laboratory Equipment: You will work with a variety of tools, such as oscilloscopes, digital multimeters, signal generators, and lock-in amplifiers - equipment that goes beyond what is typically found in introductory labs.
Quantitative Analysis: We will focus on the rigorous analysis of experimental data, covering error sources, noise, uncertainty propagation, basic statistics, and the process of fitting models to data.
Effective Communication: Clear, precise written and oral communication of results is a core component of the course. You will refine your ability to present your findings in a professional and coherent manner.
Real-World Applications: The techniques and skills you develop in this course are applicable across a wide range of scientific and engineering disciplines, preparing you for future academic or professional pursuits.

Course Objectives

By the end of the course, you will be able to:

Understand and apply key concepts in experimental physics, including topics such as Fourier analysis, synchronous detection, and wave propagation.
Use modern laboratory equipment confidently and effectively, including oscilloscopes, signal generators, etc.
Analyze experimental data rigorously, with attention to measurement precision, uncertainty quantification, and model fitting using appropriate statistical methods.
Communicate scientific findings clearly and professionally, through well-organized written lab reports and effective oral presentations.
Plan, troubleshoot, and refine experiments using critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills.

Prerequisites

Required: PHYS 325
Corequisite: PHYS 435

Each experiment includes a lab manual (“writeup”) summarizing the theoretical background needed. If additional review is required, students are encouraged to consult standard texts.

Course Components

1. LECTURE (Mon 3:30-4:20pm)

Lectures provide essential theoretical background for each lab. Topics include key physics concepts, overview of lab procedures and equipment, troubleshooting tips, and guidance on data analysis and presentation. Lectures also highlight modern applications of the course material.

2. LABORATORY (Tue/Wed/Thu, 4-hour blocks)

You will work in pairs to conduct experiments. During lab time, you will set up and run experiments, record observations in your electronic lab notebook (eLog), and begin preliminary data analysis. Some experiments take a single week; others span two. Your TA will be available for support and questions.

3. LAB REPORTS

Lab reports are your opportunity to present your experimental work professionally. Each report should introduce the relevant theory, describe your methods and apparatus, and present and interpret your results. Reports are typically due one week after completing a lab. Clarity, structure, and analysis are key grading criteria.

4. ORAL PRESENTATIONS

You will give two individual presentations summarizing one of your experiments. This is an opportunity to practice scientific storytelling, respond to questions, and demonstrate your understanding of the experiment.

Course Topics

A. Instrumentation

Oscilloscopes
Digital multi-meters
Signal generators
Data acquisition hardware
Lock-in amplifiers
Power supplies

B. Data Analysis Software

Origin (WebStore)
Python
Mathematica (WebStore)
For other options, see Computing Tools.

C. Data Analysis Techniques

Statistical error analysis
Fitting models to data
Time-domain analysis
Frequency-domain analysis

D. Measurement Techniques

Measurements and modeling of systems that exhibit linear response
- Electrical: RLC circuits
- Mechanical: Torsional oscillator
Synchronous detection
Signal propagation in transmission lines
Measurement of the electronic charge
Studies with microwaves
Response of magnetic materials to AC magnetic field

Course Grading

Course grading will proceed in compliance with University policy, as given in Article 3, Part 1 of the Student Code. More information on standards and procedures is given on the Class Policy page.

Your final grade for Physics 401 will be based upon your total score on all of the components of the course. The central component of this course is the laboratory reports, so these consitute the bulk of your grade. Note that, due to the nature of this course, we cannot offer "free drops" of any activities. We do however make an allowance for two late reports by treating the course point total as 1050 (rather than 1060). Tentative point assignments are as follows:

Course Component	Details	Maximum Points
Lectures	5 points x 12 Lectures	60
Lab Reports (Group work)	Lab 1. RLC Transients - 120 points Lab 2. Torsional Oscillator - 170 points Lab 3. Synchronous Detection - 170 points Lab 4. Microwave Cavities - 120 points Lab 5. Transmission Lines - 120 points	700
Finals (Individual work)	Final Project Report - 200 points Final Oral Presentation - 100 points	300
Late assignment allowance		-10
	TOTAL COURSE POINTS	1050