Introduction to Experimental Physics
Code
10538
Academic unit
Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia
Department
Departamento de Física
Credits
3.0
Teacher in charge
António Alberto Dias
Weekly hours
3
Total hours
39
Teaching language
Português
Objectives
Provide students with the first contact with physics laboratories, and through the study of simple physical systems train them to:
• Create awareness of the systematic errors in the methods and instruments, and arrange for their removal;
• Undertake measures and proceed to registration;
• Perform calculations accurately, clearly and concisely;
• Make estimate of the accuracy of the final result;
• Analyze the results and draw correct conclusions;
• Communicate with clarity and precision results.
Recognizing the need of the experimental method, as an essential part of the scientific method, the search for new knowledge and testing and validation of theoretical representations.
Bibliography
a) Practical session protocols;
b) Manual for Report Elaboration and Treatment of Experimental Results;
c) “Fundamentals of Physics” Holliday, Resnick e Walker; “Physics” Alonso and Finn; or other equivalent books;
d) References given on the Lab protocols and Manual.
Teaching method
Laboratory practical classes (3h/week). After initial exposure to the concepts underlying the experimental method will be conducting weekly group, a laboratory experiment. The learning is complemented with the development of two works out of class, discussion of reports and a presentation.
Evaluation method
Students respond to a questionnaire in Moodle before each lab work.
The final classification is obtained from three different types of evaluation elements: CF = 0.10 xTC +0.70 +0.20 xR xA, where CF is the final, TC is average rating of 2 out of classroom work, R is average rating of 7 reports and A is the grade given to the presentation, all assessment components are rated up to 20 values.
Students to obtain frequency should carry at least two thirds of the classes, and produce the respective reports and attend to all other evaluation moments.