3 cr. hrs. This laboratory familiarizes students with the statistical analysis of experimental data. Emphasis is placed on experimental design to minimize experimental uncertainty. Early in the semester experiments illustrating and applying Gaussian and Poisson statistics, least-squares fitting and propagation of errors are performed. These techniques are then used in experiments on advanced mechanical systems.
Extensive use is made of computers in the analysis.
Formal experiment writeups required. 3 cr. hrs. This course emphasizes the training of students for experimental research. Experimental design, error analysis and a variety of data analysis methods are integrated into several extended experiments selected from many areas of physics. Students learn how to work effectively as part of a research group.