Experimental Physics for Freshmen

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As part of the transition from a quarter to a semester calendar system the Physics Department has designed and is implementing a new course in experimental physics for incoming students who are seriously interested in physics. The purpose of the course is to excite students about experimental science and help them develop an understanding of how experiments are designed, assembled and carried out. The course may attract and retain more physics majors. The experiments are based on a relatively limited number of topics which can be investigated experimentally with a minimum of theoretical background. Initial experiments include: 1) the geometrical optics of a telescope; 2) construction and properties of vacuum systems; 3) thermal cooling in a vacuum; and 4) production of thin metallic films and measurement of their electrical resistivity. As the course develops new experiments will be added including simple analogue and digital electronics and the use of analogue and digital methods to measure the output of an electrical sensor. Wherever possible special emphasis is being placed on how computers can be used to take, analyze and simulate data. The laboratories are open ended with emphasis on the acquisition of experimental skills and knowledge.