Physics 180L – 1002(33329) Physics Lab
Sprin-2016 Syllabus
General Information
Instructor: Vijay Khanal
Email: vj.khanal20@gmail.com
Office: LP 115
Mail box: the physics office (Vijay)
Office hours: Friday 9AM-10AM (and by appointment; E-mail is recommended)
Lab meeting time: Tuesday 1:00AM-3:00 PM
Lab manuals(Physics Department WebsiteStudent ResourcesStudent labs. Webpage( Make
sure you find the updated one): http://www.unr.edu/physics/student-resources/labs
Class Description and Objectives:
The purpose of the physics laboratory is to allow students to witness the concepts and
physical laws that are introduced in lecture. You will also be exposed to elementary laboratory
techniques. Every class will have a short lecture introducing the procedures, concepts, formulas
and instructions relevant to the experiment. The lecture will also cover what is expected in your
lab-report; don’t be late. Attendance and participation is mandatory. Experiments will usually be
performed in groups, but each student will turn in an individual lab report.
Student Learning Outcomes:
The purpose of the course is to provide the practical knowledge necessary for a well-rounded
understanding of the physical world. This laboratory experience partially satisfies the Silver Core
Objective CO4: Physical & Natural Phenomena. Students that successfully complete this course should
be able to:
i.
The student will demonstrate problem solving skills in various types of problems in
physics using quantitative reasoning, critical thinking and appropriate mathematical
techniques.
ii.
The student will demonstrate the ability of use scientific methods to understand and
explain concepts in physics.
iii.
The student will be able to connect physics concepts and problems to their world
experience.
The student will demonstrate skills in collection and interpretation of data from
laboratory experiments
iv.
v.
Properly use and read: scales, calipers, digital voltmeters, micrometer and balances.
vi.
Develop proper habits that minimize uncertainty in physical measurements.
vii.
Set up and solve problems related to the propagation of errors and uncertainties.
viii.
Understand and properly use significant figures.
ix.
Plot and fit experimental data to a given mathematical model.
x.
Proficiency in troubleshooting, problem-solving and interpreting the results of physical
measurements.
xi.
Develop effective written and verbal communications skills to ensure accurate transfer of
technical information.
Course Requirements: Lab notebook (see bookstore for required notebook), and copy of lab to
be performed.
Disability Statement: Any student with a disability needing academic adjustments or accommodations is
requested to speak with me or the Disability Resource Center (Thompson Building Suite 101) as soon as
possible to arrange for appropriate accommodations
Statement on Academic Dishonesty: For example, "Cheating, plagiarism or otherwise obtaining grades
under false pretenses" constitute academic dishonesty according to the code of this university. Academic
dishonesty will not be tolerated and penalties can include canceling a student's enrollment without a
grade, giving an F for the course or for the assignment. For more details, see the University of Nevada,
Reno General Catalog.
Statement on Audio and Video Recording: Surreptitious or covert video-taping of class or unauthorized
audio recording of class is prohibited by law and by Board of Regents policy. This class may be
videotaped or audio recorded only with the written permission of the instructor. In order to accommodate
students with disabilities, some students may have been given permission to record class lectures and
discussions. Therefore, students should understand that their comments during class may be
recorded.