Physics Lab Syllabus
Welcome to physics lab! The goal of this course is for you to develop and demonstrate proficiency with the skills associated with experimental science, especially in the context of physics. You will learn how to collect data and make predictions/models based on this data. This includes analyzing data and appropriately treating sources of uncertainty.
Help is available via Discord and in person. A schedule of TA availability will be posted on Canvas. You're encouraged to seek help from your TA and peers.
This course focuses on developing critical thinking and independent reasoning skills. Physics is about exploration and learning from mistakes, and high performance is achievable even without perfection.
Course Grade
Your lab grade is based on reports, forum posts, and in-class lab practicals. A total of 400 points is possible. Grades are assigned as follows:
| Grade | Points Needed |
|---|---|
| A | 320 |
| B | 240 |
| C | 160 |
| D | 80 |
Lab Structure
There are 3 labs and a final. Each includes a report and a test, along with forum posts and journal entries.
- Lab Partners: Groups of 2–3. Reports are submitted as a group; journals, tests, and discussions are individual.
- Final: Students collaborate on data and ideas, but final reports and tests are individual.
Where Points Come From
- Worksheets (60 pts/lab): Submitted each lab period. It's your responsibility to complete and submit them on time.
- Discussion Posts (10 pts/lab): One group member posts the report. All members must leave feedback on another group’s report, checking calculations and offering constructive comments.
- Journal Entries (10 pts/lab): Log each experiment session, including discussions and data analysis steps. Late entries are not accepted.
- Prediction Tests (20 pts/lab): Conducted individually in person or on Zoom. Make a quantitative prediction using data from various sources.
- Final Report and Test (100 pts): Conduct and analyze an independent experiment. The final includes a practical prediction-based test.
- Report/test sheets must be turned in on time during lab.
- Late work accepted only up to lab test day, but not after.
- Discussion posts, tests, and journals are not accepted late.
- No extensions. Contact your TA if you have University-approved reasons for extended absences.
Contents (Preview)
Lab content and experiment topics are introduced progressively and may include motion analysis, circuits, and thermal physics. A full schedule will be provided on Canvas.