Students should already be already quite comfortable with Windows or similar operating systems. Students are encouraged to begin learning the basics of LabVIEW from the text, and course tutorial sheets, even before class begins. A basic proficiency test in LabVIEW will be given in the second lab session. A passing grade should be considered a requirement to continue in the course. Lectures will augment the laboratory sessions, and will cover a little bit of programming, but mostly principles and techniques needed to be considered 'literate' in computer use in the lab.
Marking is by that standard.
Note that it is very difficult to gain any extra-hours access to the laboratory since it is heavily booked. Please plan accordingly. The course text and several other useful texts are on reserve in the Physics Library, and at Gerstein. Case studies will be presented in two different time-slots. As you know, there is also a written report.