Methods in Physics (5cr)

Objectives

The student acquires basic skills in computational tools (especially Matlab) and numeric methods. After a successful completion of the course, the student recognises generic tools used in the research on natural sciences and technology, and can use them in a controlled environment. The student can list the safety regulations of the student laboratory and apply them in other laboratories as well. The student finds the relation between laboratory experiments and theories presented at lectures especially related to modern physics. After succesful completion of the course, the student is able to critically analyse measurement results, evaluate the reliability of the results, and explain the results graphically.In the course students practise working life skills, like project management, presentation skills both in academic writing and public speaking, team work, and working within given assignments like a scientist. After a successful completion of the course, student is able to adapt these working life skills in research work.  

Content

The course includes the lectures on numeric computation in physics. During lectures, students practise useful Matlab coding and computations for the level which is needed in project works. The course includes also three project works in following subjects:Gas analysis - determination the concentrations in gaseous sample using NDIR-spectroscopyCloud formation - determination particle size distribution in aerosolEnergy spectrum analysis - Compton scattering spectrum measurements and analysisIn project works, students retrieve information and distinguish essential information from content. They apply previously learned theory of physics and mathematics in to practical situations. Analysis of experimental measurement data, error analysis, and presentation of scientific results both in written and orally are rehearsed in the context of physics research related to spectroscopy. 

Prerequisites

Mathematical methods (finding solution for system of equations, matrices and vectors, derivative, integration)Laboratory working and reporting skills Fundamentals of programming (algorithms, functions, logigal structures)