View Specification DocumentCombined Honours Physics Laboratory PHYS4070
- Academic Session: 2026-27
- School: School of Physics and Astronomy
- Credits: 15
- Level: Level 4 (SCQF level 10)
- Typically Offered: Semester 1
- Available to Visiting Students: Yes
- Collaborative Online International Learning: No
- Curriculum For Life: No
Short Description
To provide students with an opportunity to develop knowledge and understanding of the key principles and applications of the Physics Laboratory course, and their relevance to current developments in physics.
Timetable
Tuesdays and Thursdays 11am-5pm
Requirements of Entry
This course is normally only open to students who meet the requirements for entry, or progression, for a degree programme which includes Combined Honours Physics Laboratory as an elective or compulsory course.
Combined Honours Physics Laboratory is a compulsory course for the following degree programmes:
F300-2208H, BSc Hons (Combined) in Physics (and another subject) and F301-2207H, MSci (Combined) in Physics (and another subject), F335-2208 BSc Chemical Physics, F320-2207 MSci Chemical Physics (non-work placement) and F321-2207 MSci Chemical Physics with Work Placement.
Honours Physics Laboratory is a prohibited course for all other programmes.
Excluded Courses
PHYS4009 Honours Physics Laboratory, PHYS4008 Honours Computational Physics Laboratory, PHYS4029P Theoretical Physics Group Project
Co-requisites
PHYS4011 Mathematical Methods 1, PHYS4025 Quantum Mechanics and PHYS4030 Thermal Physics.
Assessment
Laboratory (75%)
Lab report (25%)
Course Aims
To provide students with an opportunity to develop knowledge and understanding of the key principles of experimental physics, and their importance for the planning and execution of experimental investigations of physical processes using both standard and more advanced laboratory equipment.
Intended Learning Outcomes of Course
By the end of the course, students will be able to demonstrate a knowledge and broad understanding of the key principles of experimental physics.
They should be able to: programme straightforward procedures in a high level computer language; evaluate random and systematic errors inherent in experimental measurements; analyse and interpret experimental data and make a critical assessment and draw valid conclusions from the results of experimental investigations; apply computer software to analyse experimental data and to write scientific reports; prepare a detailed written report on an experimental investigation; apply logical analysis to problem solving; appreciate open problems typical of business situations.