SubjectsSubjects(version: 978)
Course, academic year 2025/2026
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Experimental Methods in Physics - NFPL217
Title: Experimental Methods in Physics
Guaranteed by: Department of Low Temperature Physics (32-KFNT)
Faculty: Faculty of Mathematics and Physics
Actual: from 2024
Semester: winter
E-Credits: 5
Hours per week, examination: winter s.:0/4, C [HT]
Capacity: unlimited
Min. number of students: unlimited
4EU+: no
Virtual mobility / capacity: no
State of the course: taught
Language: English
Teaching methods: full-time
Guarantor: doc. RNDr. David Schmoranzer, Ph.D.
prof. RNDr. Jana Kalbáčová Vejpravová, Ph.D.
doc. Mgr. Jiří Klimeš, Ph.D.
Teacher(s): prof. RNDr. Jana Kalbáčová Vejpravová, Ph.D.
doc. Mgr. Jiří Klimeš, Ph.D.
doc. RNDr. Jan Prokleška, Ph.D.
doc. RNDr. David Schmoranzer, Ph.D.
Annotation
The course will introduce the students to the methods of designing an experiment in physics, measurement, and evaluation of the results. Apart from basic experimental skills, the students will learn about methods of automation of experiments and selected techniques such as 3D printing.
Last update: Chlan Vojtěch, doc. RNDr., Ph.D. (04.02.2022)
Aim of the course

The course will begin with an introduction presenting statistical data analysis and familiarization with the experiments. The rest of the course will be devoted to laboratory work, with tasks covering mechanics, electromagnetism, and optics. Students will perform 2 experiments from each of these fields, along with 2-3 of optional tasks. Towards the end of the semester, teams of students will prepare their experimental projects for demonstration in the laboratory. To develop practical skills the students will also be involved in designing the laboratory experiments - at flexible levels of complexity.

Last update: Chlan Vojtěch, doc. RNDr., Ph.D. (04.02.2022)
Course completion requirements

The credit is based on completion of 7 experimental tasks including lab reports and on a presentation of one particular experiment in class.

Last update: Schmoranzer David, doc. RNDr., Ph.D. (22.10.2024)
Literature

1. Texts recommended for lecture courses “Principles of physics”

2. Study texts for experiments

Last update: Schmoranzer David, doc. RNDr., Ph.D. (22.10.2024)
Syllabus

Introduction to experimental physics, laboratory work, data analysis and computerization of experiment.

Basic physics - pendulum, simple machines, distance measurement.

Optics - spectroscopy, basic optical instruments

Electromagnetism and electronics - basic circuits, electric motor, oscilloscope, DAQ devices.

Other experiments based on interests of students.

Last update: Houfek Karel, doc. RNDr., Ph.D. (20.02.2026)
Learning outcomes

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

Perform laboratory experiments in mechanics, electromagnetism, and optics using appropriate instruments, experimental procedures, and safety practices.

Measure and calculate physical quantities (e.g. acceleration due to gravity, carrier mobility, material constants) from experimental data with justified uncertainty estimates.

Apply basic statistical methods to experimental data, including error estimation, propagation of uncertainties, regression analysis, and significance assessment.

Evaluate the influence of systematic and random errors, including numerical errors and their accumulation, on experimental results and conclusions.

Explain and interpret experimental results using relevant physical laws and models from mechanics, electromagnetism, and optics.

Relate experimental observations to real physical systems and applications (e.g. electromagnetic braking, Hall effect in materials, optical interference, nanoparticle magnetization).

Design and modify laboratory experiments at an appropriate level of complexity, including selection of methods, variables, and measurement strategies.

Formulate and test hypotheses by planning experiments, identifying control parameters, and predicting outcomes based on physical reasoning.

Work effectively in teams to conduct experiments, share responsibilities, and solve experimental problems.

Present and defend experimental projects through written reports, oral explanations, and laboratory demonstrations, using clear structure, correct terminology, and appropriate graphical representations.

Assess the reliability, limitations, and validity of experimental methods and results.

Demonstrate good scientific practice, including reproducibility, documentation of procedures, and critical reflection on experimental outcomes.

Last update: Houfek Karel, doc. RNDr., Ph.D. (20.02.2026)
 
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