Experimental Physics for Freshmen

作为学期制向学期制过渡的一部分，物理系为对物理有浓厚兴趣的新生设计并实施了一门新的实验物理课程。本课程的目的是激发学生对实验科学的兴趣，帮助他们理解实验是如何设计、组装和实施的。这门课程可能会吸引并留住更多的物理专业学生。实验基于相对有限的主题，这些主题可以用最少的理论背景进行实验研究。初始实验包括：1)望远镜的几何光学；2)真空系统的结构和性能；3)真空热冷却；4)金属薄膜的制作及其电阻率的测量。随着课程的发展，将增加新的实验，包括简单的模拟和数字电子学，以及使用模拟和数字方法来测量电子传感器的输出。只要有可能，特别强调的是如何使用计算机来获取、分析和模拟数据。实验室是开放式的，重点是获得实验技能和知识。

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.