PHYS 352 - Experimental Methods in Physics (3 credits)

(Prereq: PHYS 212 or PHYS 213) This course focuses on the processes and methods in experimental physics. In particular, students acquire experimental data, recognize patterns and trends within the experimental data, develop models for physical processes, and fit these models to data. Observation, testing, and application experiments are discussed, and students are assessed on their ability to design and conduct these types of experiments. Students also study and apply topics in error analysis, such as the proper reporting of uncertainties, error propagation, statistical analysis, and normal distributions. The communication and synthesis of scientific knowledge is highlighted throughout the course via formal written reports on experimental design and results. F.