FYS4180 – Experimental Methods in Physics
Course description
Schedule, syllabus and examination date
Course content
There is a long tradition of experimental surveys within natural sciences, and particularly within physics. The main element of the course is to scientifically carry out an experimental exercise within a research environment, and then to present the results of the survey. Before the exercise, an introduction is given to report editing, presentation technique, use of library services, measurement techniques, measuring uncertainty and sources of error.
Learning outcome
Practical experience, beyond the regular frame of study, in how an experimental survey in the physics area is carried out, evaluated and reported. After a general introduction to scientific method and tools used in physical experiments, each student will carry out a specific task within a research group in the Department of Physics. This task requires that students familiarise themselves with the relevant theory and measurement methods, and that they provide written and oral reports on the survey. The course can be seen as a general preparation for an upcoming master thesis, but is also intended for students interested in theory and numeric modelling, with a view to giving them practical understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of experimental methods.
Admission to the course
Students admitted at UiO must apply for courses in Studentweb. Students enrolled in other Master's Degree Programmes can, on application, be admitted to the course if this is cleared by their own study programme.
Nordic citizens and applicants residing in the Nordic countries may apply to take this course as a single course student.
If you are not already enrolled as a student at UiO, please see our information about admission requirements and procedures for international applicants.
Overlapping courses
- 10 credits overlap with FYS3180 – Experimental Methods in Physics (discontinued).
Teaching
As the teaching involves laboratory and/or field work, you should consider taking out a separate travel and personal risk insurance. Read about your insurance cover as a student.
Examination
Mandatory oral presentation of an already published experimental work.
In order to pass the course you must have:
Passed the mid term exam. And in addition a passed project assignment and approved oral presentation of the project assignment.
Resit an examination
This course offers both postponed and resit of examination. Read more:
More about examinations at UiO
- Use of sources and citations
- Special exam arrangements due to individual needs
- Withdrawal from an exam
- Illness at exams / postponed exams
- Explanation of grades and appeals
- Resitting an exam
- Cheating/attempted cheating
You will find further guides and resources at the web page on examinations at UiO.