Advanced Physics Laboratory (PHYS*4500)
Code and section: PHYS*4500*01
Term: Fall 2023
Details
Course Details
Calendar Description
This is a modular course for students in any physics-related major in which techniques of nuclear, solid state and molecular physics will be studied.
Pre-Requisites: PHYS*3510
Restrictions: Enrolment may be restricted to particular programs, specializations or semester levels during certain periods. Please see the departmental website for more information.
Course Description
This course allows students to perform important experiments that illustrate topics discussed in third- and fourth-year physics courses. The students will obtain experience using modern laboratory instruments and practice methods of data acquisition and analysis. The student will master the scientific communication skills and ability to search the scientific literature skills developed in PHYS*3510.
As discussed in the University of Guelph Undergraduate Calendar, a 0.50 credit course carries an expectation of 10-12 student-effort hours per week, including time allocated to lectures, labs, and tutorials. Students enrolled in PHYS*4500 should ensure that they allocate hours to this course every week, as the workload is significant and can become overwhelming if left to the last minute.
Timetable
Lectures
There are no lectures associated with PHYS*4500.
Labs
See Web Advisore or Courselink for details. See the semester schedule below for more details – there will not be laboratories every week.
Final Exam
There is no final exam associated with PHYS*4500.
Instructional Support
See Courselink for instructor and teaching assistant contact details.
Learning Resources
Useful References
- A.C. Melissinos and J. Napolitano, Experiments in Modern Physics (2nd Edition), Academic Press, 2003. (University of Guelph Library Call #: QC33.M52 2003) (Textbook)
- J.R. Taylor, An Introduction to Error Analysis: The Study of Uncertainties in Physical Measurements (2nd Edition), University Science Books, 1997. (University of Guelph Library Call #: QC39.T4 1997) (Textbook)
- D.W. Preston and E.R. Dietz, The Art of Experimental Physics, Wiley & Sons, 1991. (University of Guelph Library Call #: QC33.P74 1991) (Textbook)
Learning Outcomes
Course Learning Outcomes
By the end of this course, students will have:
- mastered the use of various experimental physics tools, including multimeters, oscilloscopes and multichannel analyzers.
- become autonomous in an experimental physics setting.
- mastered the analysis of experimental data, using accepted error analysis methodologies, to verify theoretical predictions.
- mastered proper scientific lab notebook protocols, allowing them to recreate experiments and or write technical documents using only their notes and data.
- demonstrated mastery with laboratory and radiation safety protocols, including proper handling of sealed gamma-ray emitting sources.
- demonstrated mastery of the written and verbal skills required to disseminate experimental results to a variety of audiences via scientific papers, posters, and oral presentations.
- identified and synthesized relevant scientific literature to present a coherent scientific argument at a level appropriate to their peers and the more general population.
- demonstrated mastery at incorporating theoretical knowledge developed in other physics courses and the scientific literature to draw appropriate inferences and conclusions from experimental results and suggest appropriate improvements to the design of the performed experiments.
B.Sc. Honours Degree
Successfully completing this course will contribute to the following:
# | Outcome | Learning Outcome |
---|---|---|
1 | Problem Solving & Critical Thinking | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 |
1.1 | Critically evaluate ideas and arguments by gathering and integrating relevant information, assessing its credibility, and synthesizing evidence to formulate a position. | 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8 |
1.2 | Identify problems and independently propose solutions using creative approaches, acquired through interdisciplinary experiences, and a depth and breadth of knowledge/expertise. | 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8 |
1.3 | Accurately interpret and use numerical information to evaluate and formulate a position. | 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 8 |
2 | Communication | 3, 4, 6 |
2.1 | Accurately and effectively communicate ideas, arguments and analyses, to a range of audiences, in graphic, oral and written form. | 3, 4, 6 |
3 | Professional and Ethical Behaviour | 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 |
3.1 | Demonstrate personal and professional integrity by respecting diverse points of view and the intellectual contribution of others, and by demonstrating a commitment to honesty and equity, and awareness of sustainability, in scientific practice and society at large. | 4, 5, 7 |
3.2 | Collaborate effectively as part of a team by demonstrating mutual respect, leadership, and an ability to set goals and manage tasks and timelines. | 1, 2, 5, 8 |
3.3 | Plan for professional growth and personal development within and beyond the undergraduate program. | 6 |
4 | Scientific Method | 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8 |
4.1 | Apply scientific methods and processes by formulating questions, designing investigations and synthesizing data to draw conclusions and make scientifically-based decisions. | 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8 |
4.2 | Generate and interpret scientific data using quantitative, qualitative and analytical methodologies and techniques. | 1, 2, 3, 4, 8 |
5 | Breadth & Depth of Understanding in a Particular Scientific Discipline | 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8 |
5.1 | Apply the core concepts of math, physics, chemistry and biology to a chosen scientific discipline. | 1, 2, 3, 5, 8 |
5.2 | Demonstrate knowledge of the ethical, economic, commercial and social implications of scientific discovery and technological innovation. | 2, 6 |
5.3 | Interpret current scientific concepts and gaps in knowledge (and methods) in light of the historical development of a chosen discipline. | 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 8 |
6 | Scientific Technology & Techniques in a Scientific Discipline | 2, 3, 4, 5, 8 |
6.1 | Apply contemporary research methods, skills and techniques to conduct independent inquiry in a chosen scientific discipline. | 2, 3, 4, 5, 8 |
Teaching and Learning Activities
Semester Schedule
Week | Course Activities | Assessments Due |
---|---|---|
1 (Sep 11 - Sep 15) | No activiites scheduled | |
2 (Sep 18 - Sep 22) | Group A Experiment #1 | |
3 (Sep 25 - Sep 29) | Group B Experiment #1 | Group A Notebook #1 (Wed Sep 27) |
4 (Oct 02 - Oct 06) | Group A Experiment #2 | Group B Notebook #1 (Wed Oct 04) |
5 (Oct 09 - Oct 13) | Thanksgiving Holiday (Mon Oct 09) Midterm Project Presentations (Wed Oct 11) |
Midterm Project Article (Wed Oct 11) |
6 (Oct 16- Oct 20) | Group B Experiment #2 | Group A Notebook #2 (Wed Oct 18) |
7 (Oct 23 - Oct 27) | Group A Experiment #3 | Group B Notebook #2 (Wed Oct 25) Group A Science Paper #1 (Wed Oct 25) |
8 (Oct 30 - Nov 03) | Group B Experiment #3 | Group A Notebook #3 (Wed Nov 01) Group B Science Paper #1 (Wed Nov 01) |
9 (Nov 06 - Nov 10) | Group A Experiment #4 | Group B Notebook #3 (Wed Nov 08) |
10 (Nov 13 - Nov 17) | Group B Experiment #4 | Group A Notebook #4 (Wed Nov 15) |
11 (Nov 20 - Nov 26) | Group A/B Experiment #5 | Group B Notebook #4 (Wed Nov 22) |
12 (Nov 27 - Dec 01) | Group A/B Poster Presentations (Mon Nov 27) Last Day of Classes (Fri Dec 01) |
Group A/B Notebook #5 (Fri Dec 01) Group A/B Science Paper #2 (Fri Dec 01) |
Students should consult Courselink regularly to receive up-to-the-date information.
Experiment Scheduling
Students will perform experiments in alternating weeks, and should sign up for the experiments they intend to do on the Google Sheets link provided in Courselink. Experiments are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis.
During a week where no experiment is scheduled, students should complete the analysis for the lab notebook that is due that week and begin preparing for the following week's experiment. All experiments should be completed by Week 11.
Students are required to complete the experiments during the assigned lab periods.
Each student will be required to do 5 of the experiments listed below:
Modern Physics
- Electron spin resonance
- Zeeman effect
Nuclear Physics
- The speed of photons: Galileo's technique modernized
- X-ray spectroscopy - Moseley's law (must have completed Gamma-ray spectroscopy using a NaI(Tl) detector previously)
- High-resolution gamma ray spectroscopy (must have completed Gamma-ray spectroscopy using a NaI(Tl) detector previously)
Thermodynamics and Statistical Physics
- Noise fundamentals
Condensed Matter Physics
- X-ray diffraction (must have completed Fourier optics previously)
Waves and Optics
- The transmission line
- Physics of ultrasound
Assessments
Late Policy
Late assessments will not be accepted and will be given a grade of 0. Please do not submit requests for extensions due to heavy courework in other courses. The deadlines in PHYS*4500 are laid out at the beginning of the semester, and students should have the time management skills at this point in their degree to complete the assessments by the posted due dates. Acceptable grounds for extensions include compassionate accommodations or medical accomodations, as described in the Undergraduate Calendar.
Final Grade Breakdown
Assessment Tool | Weighting |
---|---|
Lab Notebook (equal weighting for each of the 5 experiments) | 40% |
Science Paper (2 experiments, equally weighted) | 35% |
Scientific Poster and Presentation | 10% |
Group Presentation | 8% |
Group Article | 7% |
Lab Notebooks
Students should have two lab notebooks, as they will be submitting the previous experiment for grading as they begin their current experiment. Hardbound notebooks are not required - spiral-bound or soft-cover notebooks are perfectly adequate for this course (and they usually cost less). Loose-leaf paper in folders or binders are not acceptable. Students may continue to use their lab notebooks from PHYS*3510, if they choose. Please tape computer-generated content (e.g. graphs) into your lab nobebooks - do not use staples.
Students must work in their lab notebooks as they perform the experiment; do not work on loose sheets of paper and then write up a "good copy" in your lab notebook at a later date. Nobody expects your lab notebook to be mistake free or perfectly neat - it is a log of your work that evolves as you conduct your research. It should be clear enough for an external party (your teaching assistant) to be able to follow what you did, but it is expected that you will need to cross things out on occasion or perhaps work in a different sequence than the lab outline instructions.
Notebooks will be assessed using the following criteria:
Materials & Methods (8 marks total)
- briefly describe what was done as it is done – you should be able to reproduce the procedure from the notebook without the lab outline!
- logging experimental conditions
- data recording
- dates, run times, file names, etc.
Results & Analysis (10 marks total)
- raw data (where applicable) and quality of that data
- graphs and brief discussions of the data
- questions asked in the lab outline, including derivations
Clarity (2 marks total)
- notebook should be legible
- anybody should be able to navigate through your lab notebook
A more detailed summary of lab notebook expectations is available on Courselink.
Science Paper
Each student will submit two written formal reports, written in the style of a scientific paper. These papers will be submitted as PDF documents via Dropbox on Courselink, and the due dates are given in the Semester Schedule section of this document.
Evaluation of the science papers will be based on students’ ability to:
- motivate the experiment that was performed
- interpret and discuss their experimental data while using proper scientific writing styles
- discuss experimental limitations within accepted error analysis frameworks.
The weighting of each section towards the overall grade for the paper is as follows:
- Outline - 5%
- Abstract - 5%
- Introduction - 25%
- Materials & Methods - 15%
- Results & Discussion - 40%
- Conclusion - 5%
- References - 5%
Spelling and grammar will be assessed in these reports. In general, your science papers should not exceed 6-10 pages (1.5 line spacing) for most experiments. The page count is a guideline, not a firm restriction; students that choose to exceed 10 pages should ensure that it is for a good reason and not simply due to poor editing or rambling logic.
The merit of the scientific arguments made in PHYS*4500 science papers will be assessed more heavily than in PHYS*3510, and students are expected to address experimental uncertainties more rigorously. Papers at this level should include 10 or more suitable references, such as journal articles or textbooks; websites are not generally included in this reference count, and the lab outline should not be included as a reference.
Please note that you cannot submit a science paper for an experiment that was presented as a poster.
For each paper, students will also submit the outline they used to generate the paper. Outlines are commonly used while preparing scientific documents and generally streamline the process of writing scientific papers. Following the guidelines given previously in PHYS*2180 and on the PHYS*4500 Courselink page, outlines should demonstrate the intended flow of the document and indicate which equations, tables and/or graphs, and figures need to be included in the final paper. Please note that a rough draft of your paper does NOT constitute an outline. Outlines will be submitted via Courselink Dropbox at the same time as the science paper.
Scientific Poster
Each student will produce a scientific poster (48” x 36”, but choice of whether to go with portrait or landscape format is up to students) summarizing the results of one of their experiments. The poster will be printed off and presented to the students' peers - students are responsible for printing their posters. See Courselink for recommendations on creating an effective poster. Students should get an early start on their posters and consult their instructor/teaching assistant for guidance before submitting the finished poster - we will provide feedback so long as you aren't approaching us at the last minute. Posters will be presented in MacNaughton 417 on Monday, November 27 from 14:30 - 17:20.
You cannot present a poster for experiments that have been submitted as a science paper - plan accordingly!
Midterm Group Project
Throughout the first half of the semester, students will work in groups of two, randomly assigned by the course instructor, to research an experimental project at the forefront of physics research, with great examples including projects that have been awarded a Nobel Prize in Physics (or Chemistry, if relevant). Each group will submit a single science article (as a PDF document via Dropbox) aimed at a more general science audience; in particular, students should pitch their discussion such that it can be followed by peers in biology or chemistry programs at the University of Guelph, science students that lack the detailed physics knowledge of the various physics majors. There is no specific minimum or maximum page count on these articles, however students should strive for a length of 8-15 pages (including figures).
Each group will also present thier work to their peers, providing an overview of the relevant physics, particularly the experimental considerations, and describe the impact of that experiment on physicsical theories/understanding and society, where possible. The presentations will be no longer than 15 minutes, with 5 minutes for questions. All students are expected to attend the full presentation session on Wednesday October 11 from 14:30 - 17:20 in Summerlee Science Complex (SCIE) 1504.
Suitable research topics include:
- optical tweezers (Nobel Prize - 2018) OR laser cooling and trapping of atoms (Nobel Prize - 1996) OR achievement of Bose-Einstein condensation (Nobel Prize - 2001) (don't try to address all three - choose one)
- gravitational wave observatories (Nobel Prize - 2017)
- neutrino observatories (Nobel Prize - 2002 and Nobel Prize - 2015)
- invention of blue light-emitting diodes (Nobel Prize - 2014) (tricky theory)
- CERN Large Hadron Collider and the Higgs boson (Nobel Prize - 2013) (VERY difficult theory - attempt at your own peril!)
- quantum particle tracking/quantum computing (Nobel Prize - 2012) (tricky theory)
- discovery of the accelerating expansion of the universe (Nobel Prize - 2011)
- experiments with graphene; can include more recent work on silicene (Nobel Prize - 2010)
- invention of the CCD sensor (Nobel Prize - 2009)
- giant magnetoresistance (Nobel Prize - 2007) (very difficult theory - attempt at your own peril!)
- discovery of the blackbody form and anisotropy of the cosmic microwave background radiation (Nobel Prize - 2006)
- laser-based precision spectroscopy (Nobel Prize - 2005) OR ultra-short optical pulses (Nobel Prize - 2018) (choose one)
Note that half of the 2020 Nobel Prize in Physics was awarded to recognize the discovery of a supermassive compact object at the centre of our galaxy. While this topic is experimental in nature, it is perhaps not an ideal subject for students to try to present in this course.
Students who wish to discuss a different project or experiment can do so if they receive permission from the instructor. Student topics must be unique to avoid overlap with other groups in the class. Students should avoid choosing presentation topics that are closely related to previous summer research projects or current PHYS*4001/2 research projects.
A check-in with the instructor should be scheduled one week before the submission of the paper and oral presentation. Group members will be questioned on how their research is going, and will highlight how each group member is contributing to the project. It is not acceptable for one or more students to dominate the project or shirk their work; this is a group activity, and all group members are required to work equitably, respectfully, and productively. One goal of this project is to help students develop their abilities to work in a mutually respectful team environment, an important learning outcome and a common requirement in future careers.
Course Statements
Lab Safety
Department of Physics Laboratory Safety Policy
The Department of Physics is committed to ensuring a safe working and learning environment for all students, staff and faculty. As a student in a laboratory course, you are responsible for taking all reasonable safety precautions and following the lab safety rules specific to the lab you are working in. In addition, students are responsible for reporting all safety issues to the graduate teaching assistant or course instructor as soon as possible. Students are not required to work in an environment that they deem to be unsafe. If you have any concerns whatsoever, please consult your teaching assistant or course instructors!
In this course, students may be exposed to the following potential hazards:
- γ -radiation and x-ray sources
- intense light, including laser light and strobe lights
- voltages and currents that can be harmful if proper precautions are not taken
- compressed gases
- cryogenic liquids: liquid nitrogen and liquid helium
All experiments have been designed such that students have minimal (but not zero!) risk if proper laboratory protocols are followed. At all times, students must be aware of the risks of their experiment and the positioning of their fellow students and behave accordingly.
Food and Drink in the Laboratory
As with all laboratories on the University of Guelph campus, ALL food and drink is strictly prohibited in the laboratory. This applies to all faculty, staff, and students. In the PHYS*4500 laboratory, this rule is strictly enforced as a criterion for lab certification with the Radiation Safety Office at the University of Guelph. Students must not, under any circumstances, bring any food or drink into the laboratory. If students have water bottles or food in their backpacks, these must be left at the front of the room and not be accessed within the room at any time.
Course Evaluation
The Department of Physics requires student assessment of all courses taught by the Department. These assessments provide essential feedback to faculty on their teaching by identifying both strengths and possible areas of improvement. In addition, annual student assessment of teaching provides part of the information used by the Department’s Tenure and Promotion Committee in evaluating the faculty member's contribution in the area of teaching.
The Department's teaching evaluation questionnaire invites student response both through numerically quantifiable data, and written student comments. In conformity with University of Guelph Faculty Policy, the Department’s Tenure and Promotions Committee only considers comments signed by students (choosing "I agree" in question 14). Your instructor will see all signed and unsigned comments after final grades are submitted. Written student comments may also be used in support of a nomination for internal and external teaching awards.
No information will be passed on to the instructor until after the final grades have been submitted.
University Statements
Email Communication
As per university regulations, all students are required to check their e-mail account regularly: e-mail is the official route of communication between the University and its students.
When You Cannot Meet a Course Requirement
When you find yourself unable to meet an in-course requirement because of illness or compassionate reasons please advise the course instructor (or designated person, such as a teaching assistant) in writing, with your name, id#, and e-mail contact. The grounds for Academic Consideration are detailed in the Undergraduate and Graduate Calendars.
- Undergraduate Calendar - Academic Consideration and Appeals
https://www.uoguelph.ca/registrar/calendars/undergraduate/current/c08/c08-ac.shtml - Graduate Calendar - Grounds for Academic Consideration
https://www.uoguelph.ca/registrar/calendars/graduate/current/genreg/index.shtml - Associate Diploma Calendar - Academic Consideration, Appeals and Petitions
https://www.uoguelph.ca/registrar/calendars/diploma/current/index.shtml
Drop Date
Students will have until the last day of classes to drop courses without academic penalty. The deadline to drop two-semester courses will be the last day of classes in the second semester. This applies to all students (undergraduate, graduate and diploma) except for Doctor of Veterinary Medicine and Associate Diploma in Veterinary Technology (conventional and alternative delivery) students. The regulations and procedures for course registration are available in their respective Academic Calendars.
- Undergraduate Calendar - Dropping Courses
https://www.uoguelph.ca/registrar/calendars/undergraduate/current/c08/c08-drop.shtml - Graduate Calendar - Registration Changes
https://www.uoguelph.ca/registrar/calendars/graduate/current/genreg/genreg-reg-regchg.shtml - Associate Diploma Calendar - Dropping Courses
https://www.uoguelph.ca/registrar/calendars/diploma/current/c08/c08-drop.shtml
Copies of Out-of-class Assignments
Keep paper and/or other reliable back-up copies of all out-of-class assignments: you may be asked to resubmit work at any time.
Accessibility
The University promotes the full participation of students who experience disabilities in their academic programs. To that end, the provision of academic accommodation is a shared responsibility between the University and the student.
When accommodations are needed, the student is required to first register with Student Accessibility Services (SAS). Documentation to substantiate the existence of a disability is required; however, interim accommodations may be possible while that process is underway.
Accommodations are available for both permanent and temporary disabilities. It should be noted that common illnesses such as a cold or the flu do not constitute a disability.
Use of the SAS Exam Centre requires students to book their exams at least 7 days in advance and not later than the 40th Class Day.
- For Guelph students, information can be found on the SAS website
https://wellness.uoguelph.ca/accessibility/ - For Ridgetown students, information can be found on the Ridgetown SAS website
https://www.ridgetownc.com/services/accessibilityservices.cfm
Academic Integrity
The University of Guelph is committed to upholding the highest standards of academic integrity, and it is the responsibility of all members of the University community-faculty, staff, and students-to be aware of what constitutes academic misconduct and to do as much as possible to prevent academic offences from occurring. University of Guelph students have the responsibility of abiding by the University's policy on academic misconduct regardless of their location of study; faculty, staff, and students have the responsibility of supporting an environment that encourages academic integrity. Students need to remain aware that instructors have access to and the right to use electronic and other means of detection.
Please note: Whether or not a student intended to commit academic misconduct is not relevant for a finding of guilt. Hurried or careless submission of assignments does not excuse students from responsibility for verifying the academic integrity of their work before submitting it. Students who are in any doubt as to whether an action on their part could be construed as an academic offence should consult with a faculty member or faculty advisor.
- Undergraduate Calendar - Academic Misconduct
https://www.uoguelph.ca/registrar/calendars/undergraduate/current/c08/c08-amisconduct.shtml - Graduate Calendar - Academic Misconduct
https://www.uoguelph.ca/registrar/calendars/graduate/current/genreg/index.shtml
Recording of Materials
Presentations that are made in relation to course work - including lectures - cannot be recorded or copied without the permission of the presenter, whether the instructor, a student, or guest lecturer. Material recorded with permission is restricted to use for that course unless further permission is granted.
Resources
The Academic Calendars are the source of information about the University of Guelph’s procedures, policies, and regulations that apply to undergraduate, graduate, and diploma programs.