Physics 174: Physics Lab Introduction

Syllabus - Spring 2006

 
What the course is about:

            Physics 174 is an introductory Physics Lab that meets for two hours each week in Room 3115 of the Physics Building. In this course you will be expected to master a few basic ideas and tools which you will need for later labs, including: understanding experimental errors, using computer spreadsheets for analyzing, plotting and fitting data, and working with simple electrical circuits and electrical measuring equipment.

 
Web Site: The course sypllabus is posted at:
http://www.ireap.umd.edu/~wlosert/phys174/

To submit homework, and to get the latest information on Physics 174 check the WebCT course webpage:    
http://www.courses.umd.edu  

 
Lab sections: There are four lab sections:

 
Arriving late to class:

Classes at Maryland begin right on the hour. It is important that you arrive on time to Physics 174 so that you can get instructions for the lab and have time to finish. If you arrive more than 10 minutes late, you will probably not be allowed into the lab and will have to make it up in another section during the week.

 
Course Instructors:    Professor Richard Ellis
                                     Office:  Energy Research Facility Room 0132
                                     Phone extension:   5-7369

                                     E-mail:  rfellis@umd.edu 

                                               

                                    Professor Wolfgang Losert

                                     Office: Room 3359 AV Williams Building

                                     Phone extension:  5-0629 

                                     E-mail: wlosert@glue.umd.edu

 
* Office Hours: You can try stopping by our offices at any time, or make an appointment by phone or e-mail.

 
* Lab Makeup Time: If you miss your regular lab section, then you should make that lab up by going to another section that same week (see note below regarding grade deductions for missed labs) . If you have questions about the lab, the equipment, or the homework, you can also stop by during this time.  If you cannot attend another section, contact your instructor ASAP and a time for a makeup lab will be arranged. In general, this should be done the same week as the lab is scheduled.

 
* Teaching Assistant:           Damon Ellingston
                                         Office:  Room 3103B   Physics Building

                                         Phone: 5-6189
                                         E-mail:   damon@umd.edu

 
* Prerequisites: The prerequisite or co-requisite for the course is Math 140.

 
* Texts:  Required:  "174:LAB MANUAL (UMCP), Spring 2006 edition" will be available in the bookstores at the beginning of the semester ISBN: To be announced

Recommended is also a book on error analysis.  We recommend you get one of the following two books:
1) Louis Lyons "A Practical Guide to Data Analysis for Physical Science Students" - a reference book on error analysis valuable throughout your studies:  ISBN 0-521-42463-1.
2) John R. Taylor, "An introduction to error analysis" second edition, a detailed disucssion of error analysis with example problems  ISBN 0-935702-75-X

 
* Grading:

            25%     In lab performance (based on lab checksheets and spreadsheets handed in at end of lab) 

            35%     Lab reports (final lab spreadsheet including homework due Mon 6pm after labs -----> do the homework!!!)

            20%     Test on spreadsheet, errors and measurements 

            20%     Test on the oscilloscope and electrical circuits
   

Missing one Lab (and not making it up the same week) will cost one letter grade in your final grade.  Missing one homework set will cost one-half of a letter grade in your final grade.

 
* Homework is assigned for most labs. You will turn your final version of the lab spreadsheet including your homework in via WebCT (we'll tell you how to do this in the first class) and you can turn it in anytime during the week, but by no later than 6 PM on the Monday before your next lab. Graded homework will be available a week after you turn it in.

 
* No credit will be given for late homework unless you are seriously ill and provide a written note from your physician.

 
* General Comments on Homework: Finishing all the labs and homework sets is very important. Missing even one homework set will definitely hurt your grade. Just do it! Also, if you can't completely finish a homework set, turn in what you do have.  When you are working on the homework sets, feel free to discuss among yourselves to try to figure out what is going on. However, do not use these discussions as an excuse to copy someone else's solution to the homework, or let someone else copy your solution. That is cheating and is strictly forbidden. It is also very self-defeating since another part of your grade will come from tests. The right way to discuss the homework is to first work through a problem on your own and arrive at a definite answer. With this preparation you can then discuss intelligently with your colleagues and see if you have missed something essential. Of course, you can always ask one of your instructors - that's what we get paid for.

Schedule

           NO LAB FIRST WEEK OF CLASSES*********************Jan 25-26
           EXERCISE 1. Introduction to Excel                                                     Feb 1-2

           EXERCISE 2. Measurements, Errors and Uncertainties                         Feb 8-9
            EXERCISE 4. Straight Line Fits Using Excel and ²                             Feb 15-16

            EXERCISE 5. Propagation of Errors                                                    Feb 22-23
            EXERCISE 5*  Using 2 and Propagation of Errors to Test a Theory   Mar  1-2

            EXERCISE 6. FIRST REVIEW                                                           Mar 8-9
            EXERCISE 7 EXAM on Errors and Spreadsheets                           Mar 15-16

            SPRING BREAK (no labs)                                                                  Mar 22-23

            EXERCISE 8. Resistors and Multimeters                                              Mar 29-30
            EXERCISE 9. Measuring Currents and Voltages                                  Apr 5-6

            EXERCISE 10. Introduction to the Digital Oscilloscope                        Apr 12-13

            EXERCISE 11. The Oscilloscope and AC Signals                                Apr 19-20

            EXERCISE 12. Reflection of Pulses                                                     Apr 26-27

            EXERCISE 13. REVIEW of Circuits                                                    May 3-4

            EXERCISE 14. EXAM on Circuits and Error Analysis                    May 10-11

Honor Code:  The University of Maryland, College Park has a nationally recognized Code of Academic Integrity, administered by the Student Honor Council.  This Code sets standards for academic integrity at Maryland for all undergraduate and graduate students.  As a student you are responsible for upholding these standards for this course.  It is very important for you to be aware of the consequences of cheating, fabrication, facilitation, and plagiarism.  For more information on the Code of Academic Integrity or the Student Honor Council, please visit http://www.studenthonorcouncil.umd.edu/whatis.html .