Physics 106 Laboratory Syllabus
Summer 2006
Room: 329 Gallalee Hall
Course Description:
The student carries out a series of experiments in electricity, magnetism, and optics. The experiments are designed to help familiarize the student with the concepts presented in the lectures and to develop skills in making physical measurements and analyzing the results.
Notes to the Student:
- The lab descriptions are linked to the course schedule on the Internet. You are expected to print out your own copy of this write-up and review it before coming to class. The lab report is to be written up using this form and possibly additional pages of regular paper. The report is due by the end of the period unless you are given permission by your instructor to complete it outside of class. Reports turned in after they are due will not be accepted. Many of the reports will require graph paper, and you are expected to supply your own paper; either 20 squares per inch or 10 squares per centimeter is recommended.
- You will prepare a report for each experiment. A quiz will be given at the beginning of each lab. Reports will count 50%, quizzes 20%, and the lab exam 30% toward your overall laboratory average. The lowest lab and quiz grades will be dropped before computing the average.
- There will be no make-ups of missed labs or quizzes. If you miss a lab for a valid reason, bring an excuse to your instructor and he or she will make arrangements to adjust your grade accordingly. Unexcused absences will receive a zero for that lab.
- The purpose of the quizzes is to check that you have read the lab manual write-up and know the prerequisite physics. (If you know the physics, you should be able to solve the Preliminary Problem(s) given in the write-up.)
- The lab exam consists of several questions, each of which involves making measurements and/or analyzing data. As already noted, the exam counts 30% toward your lab average. As part of good preparation for the lab exam, you should actively participate in each experiment, rather than letting your lab partners do the work.
- Labs will sometimes come before the corresponding material is covered in lecture. This is unavoidable, but we have tried to keep it to a minimum. You are expected to read ahead in the text, if necessary. Your lab instructor will also assist you with any new material.
- You are required to abide by the Lab Safety Rules given you in class. You must turn in a signed copy of the Rules to your lab instructor showing that you have read and understand the safety rules.
- Dr. Gene Byrd is the faculty supervisor for the course. Please contact him if you have a problem that cannot be resolved by your lab instructor.