PHYS 401 :: Physics Illinois :: University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Course Description
Overview
Physics 401 is a one semester course intended to give students an introduction to basic laboratory techniques in experimental physics in the context of classical mechanics and electromagnetism.
This course will guide you through the entire scientific research process - from planning and executing experiments to analyzing data and presenting your results. By the end of the semester, you will have honed the technical and analytical skills needed to conduct independent research and prepare for advanced studies or a professional career in research or 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, andlock-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 and Prerequisites
By the end of the course, you will:
- Understand Key Concepts: Explore advanced topics such as Fourier analysis, synchronous detection, and wave propagation.
- Master Modern Laboratory Tools: Gain experience with oscilloscopes, signal generators, etc.
- Develop Analytical Skills: Make reliable measurements, understand the precision of those measurements, and apply statistical analysis to interpret results effectively.
- Communicate Effectively: Present findings through clear lab reports and engaging oral presentations.
- Think Critically: Plan experiments, troubleshoot, and draw meaningful conclusions.
Note: The topics in this course depend upon an intermediate-level knowledge of both classical mechanics (Phys325) and E&M (Phys435). We require 325 as a prerequisite and 435 as a corequisite for enrollment. The lab manual ("writeup") supplied with each lab activity is intended to present the necessary theoretical background to understand the experiment. If this is not sufficient, students are expected to learn the necessary material on their own using standard textbooks.
Course Components
The course consists of an 80-minute lecture and a four-hour laboratory period each week.
- LECTURE (Mon 3:30-4:20pm) is where we will discuss the key concepts and background behind the week's experiment, outline the setup and equipment, discuss possible experimental challenges, and give tips for analysis and presentation.The lectures will provide information necessary to successfully complete the labs, as well as discuss applications of course material to current physics experiments and technology.
- LABORATORY (Tue/Wed/Thu, 4-hour blocks) is where you will work in pairs to carry out the experiments, record the results in your lab electronic notebook (eLog), and carry out preliminary data analysis (so that you know if you need to fix anything!). You attend one lab section each week (at your registered time), and your TA will be there to provide guidances as needed. Some laboratories are completed in a single session, others require more than one week.
- LAB REPORTS are where you describe your experimental work to the world. You introduce relevant background, describe your experimental methods, and discuss your main results and findings. Reports must be well-organized and clearly written, and are generally due one week after the lab is performed (one week after the final meeting of a multi-week lab), unless otherwise noted.
- ORALS are where you will present your experimental results in oral presentations. These sessions will help you develop the skills to clearly explain complex ideas, engage with your audience, and respond to questions effectively.
Course Topics
A. Instrumentation
- Oscilloscopes
- Digital multi-meters
- Signal generators
- Data acquisition hardware
- Lock-in amplifiers
- Power supplies
B. Data Analysis Software
- Origin (WebStore)
- Mathematica (WebStore)
- For other options, see Computing Tools.
C. Data Analysis Techniques
- Statistical error analysis
- Fitting models to data
- Time-domain analysis and transients
- 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 | Maximum Points |
|---|---|
| Lab Reports | 700 |
| RLC Transients | 120 |
| Torsional Oscillator (2 weeks) | 170 |
| Synchronous Detection (2 weeks) | 170 |
| Pulses in Transmission Lines | 120 |
| Microwaves | 120 |
| Finals | 300 |
| Final Project Report | 200 |
| Oral | 100 |
| Lectures | 60 |
| Late assignment allowance | -10 |
| T O T A L | 1050 |