Learning objectives
To develop the following abilities:
- to plan a simple experiment
- to analyse the experimentaldata with the aid of a graphyical computing language
- to evaluate their statistical consistency
- to organize a concise and complete presentation of the results
Prerequisites
Basic mathematical skills: algebra, trigonometry, elementary geometry, calculus.
Basic knowledge of physical phenomena in mechanics, waves and calorimetry.
Course unit content
A score of simple laboratory experiments on topics regarding mechanics, waves and calorimetry. The course deals with
- The measurement
- Uncertainies and their statistical analysis
- An introduction to the theory of probability
- A brief description of the physical phenomena under investigation, keeping in mind that these topics are often encountered in the lab before their formal treatment within the course of Physics 1.
- Computer assisted numerical laboratory to become familiar with a versatile language for data analysis and presentation (e.g. octave/matlab).
Full programme
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Bibliography
J.R. Taylor, An Introduction to Error Analysis: The Study of Uncertainties in Physical Measurements, University Science Books.
Additional material provided by the lecturer.
For further insights: R. Scozzafava, “Primi passi in probabilità e statistica”, Ed. Zanichelli, Bologna, 2° ed., 2000.
Teaching methods
Lectures, laboratory sessions (physics and computing) attended in groups of 3, max 4 students.
Assessment methods and criteria
Each experiment group report will be marked, one for each experiment. There is a short written paper for each part (I and II). Final grades are assigned jointly for the two parts of this course, after a final individual discussion of one among all the experimental reports, selected by the lectureres.
Other information
The course is split up in two periods: 6 CFU in the first semester and 6 CFU in the second semester.
