Course Title: Advanced Experimental Physics

Part A: Course Overview

Course Title: Advanced Experimental Physics

Credit Points: 12.00


Course Coordinator: Professor Gary Bryant

Course Coordinator Phone: +61 3 9925 2139

Course Coordinator Email: gary.bryant@rmit.edu.au

Course Coordinator Location: 014.07.003

Course Coordinator Availability: By appointment


Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities

Required Prior Study

You should have satisfactorily completed courses before you commence this course.

Alternatively, you may be able to demonstrate the required skills and knowledge before you start this course.

Contact your course coordinator if you think you may be eligible for recognition of prior learning. 


Course Description

Science consists of two complementary components: theory and experiment. A scientist makes observations of the natural world and from these develops hypotheses that are tested through experiments. In this third-year course you will be given the opportunity to use advanced equipment in state-of-the-art laboratories and perform a number of experiments within the field of physics. You will become an expert in a number of experimental techniques and be exposed to modern instrumentation and data analysis techniques. In addition, you will learn the principles of good laboratory practice and be well prepared for scientific research, as well as laboratory-based employment.


Objectives/Learning Outcomes/Capability Development

Program Learning Outcomes

This course contributes to the program learning outcomes for the following programs:

BP350 Bachelor of Science

  • PLO2 Analyse and critically examine scientific evidence using methods, technical skills, tools and emerging technologies in a range of scientific activities. 
  • PLO3 Analyse and apply principles of scientific inquiry and critical evaluation to address real-world scientific challenges and inform evidence based decision making. 
  • PLO4 Communicate, report and reflect on scientific findings, to diverse audiences utilising a variety of formats employing integrity and culturally safe practices.  
  • PLO5 Work independently, with agility, safety, and accountability for own learning and professional future.  

For more information on the program learning outcomes for your program, please see the program guide.


Course Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course you will be able to:

  1. Apply knowledge and  technical skills to perform  laboratory work and  record experimental results  in a laboratory journal
  2. Interpret experimental findings by applying principals of physics.
  3. Critically evaluate and demonstrate proficiency in utilising mathematical and analysis tools in the processing of data from experiments.

Communicate and interpret  experimental findings to diverse audiences.


Overview of Learning Activities

You will be actively engaged in a range of learning activities including laboratories, seminars, project work, class discussion, individual and group activities. Delivery will be face to face.

You are encouraged to be proactive and self-directed in your learning, asking questions of the teaching staff and/or peers and seeking out information as required, especially from the numerous sources available through the RMIT library, and through links and material specific to this course that is available through RMIT Student Website.


Overview of Learning Resources

RMIT will provide you with resources and tools for learning in this course through RMIT Student Website.

There are services available to support your learning through the RMIT Library. The Library provides guides on academic referencing and subject specialist help as well as a range of study support services. For further information, please visit the RMIT Library page on the RMIT University website and the RMIT Student Website.


Overview of Assessment

Assessment Tasks

Assessment item 1: Laboratory journals
Weighting: 25%
This assessment task supports CLO 1

Assessment item 2: Laboratory reports
Weighting: 50%
This assessment task supports CLOs 2, 3 & 4

Assessment item 3: Scientific poster
Weighting: 10%
This assessment task supports CLOs 2, 3 & 4

Assessment item 4: Oral presentation
Weighting: 15%
This assessment task supports CLOs 2, 3 & 4

 

If you have a long term medical condition and/or disability it may be possible to negotiate to vary aspects of the learning or assessment methods. You can contact the program coordinator or Equitable Learning Services if you would like to find out more.