Joint Honours Lab

Module description

Aims

The first year laboratory course introduces the practical elements of the physics degree and develops laboratory skills that will be required in the second, third and fourth years. The laboratory classes tie in with classroom based courses and introduce the elements required for practical problem solving, such as experimental design and library based research.
The course is intended to introduce the main principles of a procedural programming language, shows how these principles can be realised using the C language. Emphasis will be placed on the need to plan carefully the writing and testing of programs, stressing the importance of producing readable, well-structured, reusable code that is easier to maintain, debug and develop. The course will show students how to develop C programs that can manipulate experimental data, and model problems in mathematics and physics.
The students will develop competence in the use of simple electronic equipment, optical measurements, error analysis and apply their skills in investigations into basic mechanics, waves and optics, electrical, thermodynamic and atomic physics. The students will learn how to report results, both written and orally. 

Learning objectives

Students should be able to write, compile, debug and execute short C programs that are useful in dealing with mathematical and physical problems. They should be familiar with most of the common data types, including arrays, structures, and pointers, and with the standard mathematical and logical operations provided by the C language. They should also be able to write programs that involve branching, looping, calling functions, the input of data from and output of data to files.

Syllabus

A co-ordinated set of experiments designed to introduce students to the methods of experimental physics, including the treatment of errors and writing reports.

 

Assessment details

Written examination/s;coursework

Teaching arrangementsAlternate weeks lab class 4 hours.Summative assessment2 Written reports- all of equal weighting 60%3 Oral reports - all of equal weighting 30%Oral presentation 10%

Module description disclaimer

King’s College London reviews the modules offered on a regular basis to provide up-to-date, innovative and relevant programmes of study. Therefore, modules offered may change. We suggest you keep an eye on the course finder on our website for updates.

Please note that modules with a practical component will be capped due to educational requirements, which may mean that we cannot guarantee a place to all students who elect to study this module.

Please note that the module descriptions above are related to the current academic year and are subject to change.