In terms of knowledge, the main objective is to guide the student towards the scientific method. In terms of applications, the student is expected to be able to perform basic experiments, organizing a log-book, record data and perform a basic analysis, computer assisted.
Course Prerequisites
Probability & Statistics course – introductory physics lectures. Fundamentals of coding and computer science.
Teaching Methods
Students are expected to perform a series of basic experiments (e.g. measurement of the gravitational constant by a Cavendish balance apparatus; characterization of a mechanical oscillator, measurement of g with a Kater pendulum, mechanical equivalent of a prefect gas, and more). Every experiment will require 2 weeks: during week 1, the student will get acquainted with the problem and the apparatus, will perform it and collect the data. During week 2, he/she will analyze the data by using MATLAB and relying on the outcome of the firs semester courses in programming, statistics & probability.Simple experiments based on using sensors embedded in "smart phones" are also considered. A series of advanced analyses will also be proposed, based on data collected by the Researchers collaborating with the professor in charge. Before starting the lab activities, students will be guided through the underlying phenomena, the experimental apparata and the experimental method, together with a measurement plan. Reference essays from previous years will be made available as a reference.
Assessment Methods
Evaluation of the essays reporting the lab activities. For every experiment, the background and motivation shall be presented, followed by a description of the experimental apparatus, the experimental sequence, the results of the data analysis.
Contents
- Analysis (qualitative and quantitative) of the physics underlying the proposed experiments - Analysis of the experimental set-up - Performing the experiment and collecting data - Data analysis - Reporting
Course Language
Italian
More information
The professor in charge can be contacted via e-mail at massimo.caccia@uninsubria.it
