For the introductory physics laboratories here at the University of Chicago, we have adopted a set of learning objectives. By the end of this course, you should be able to do the following:

• design an experiment to investigate a physical phenomena;
• collect data and revise an experimental procedure iteratively and reflectively;
• evaluate the process and outcomes of an experiment quantitatively and qualitatively;
• extend the scope of an investigation whether or not results come out as expected;
• communicate the process and outcomes of an experiment; and
• conduct an experiment collaboratively and ethically.

Put succinctly, the goal is to understand how we know, not what we know.*

Each lab you work on this year will relate back to one or more of these course objectives and will help you develop and apply the tools of experimental physics. The aim is to teach critical thinking through experimentation, and for you to see how the concepts of lecture are applied (and limited by) specific physical situations.

The PDF linked here presents the departments expectations of you in terms of your behavior in the lab and ethical considerations when it comes to presenting your work. Please download and read it. Your TA will go over it on the first day in lab.

Not meeting these expectations can have consequences for both your grade in the course and possibly your standing as a student at the University of Chicago.

Student Code Of Conduct

Your first in-person meeting will occur during Week 3

• All PHYS141 labs take place in room 216 in the Kersten Physics Teaching Center.
• There is a at-home assignment which you need to complete and submit by the end of 2nd week of the quarter.
• There will be 6 in-person lab sessions (Weeks 3-8). Each session will be treated as an independent experiment, and all sessions carry equal weight.
• Each lab session will be 2 hours and 50 minutes and students are expected to attend for the full time.
• Students will work in groups of 3 and will collaborate on a digital group lab notebook.
• After the conclusion of each lab, each student will submit an Individual Report in which you will summarize your groups work, answer specific questions, and draw conclusions about the experiment you just finished. This is due 48 hours after the lab has ended, and the TA will give the report a quality grade.

Links to experiments will go live at the start of the quarter.

Your first in-person lab meeting will occur during Week 3. You should receive information about your lab room and TA assignment during Week 2.

In the meantime, you have an important preparatory assignment (Introduction to Experimental Physics) to complete before the end of Week 2. When you are finished, upload your assignment to Canvas by Friday, October 6 at 5:30 pm CDT to receive credit.

Links to experiments will go live at the start of the quarter.

When you registered for the course, you were placed into a 2 hour and 50 minute lab section by the Registrar.

• The section assigned by the Registrar is the lab section you should attend and no further action is required.
• If this lab section no longer works with your schedule, you will need to contact Tiffany Kurns (tkurns@uchicago.edu) to switch into a different lab section.
• All PHYS 142 labs take place in KPTC 216.

It is essential that you are in an appropriate lab section by Friday of Week 2. Contact Tiffany Kurns (tkurns@uchicago.edu) with all lab section scheduling requests.

If you miss a lab (due to sickness or emergency), please contact both your lab TA and Tiffany Kurns (tkurns@uchicago.edu) as soon as possible. Tiffany will work with you to find a different lab section to attend later in the week (if one is available and you are able).

If you are unable to attend an alternate section during the same week as your absence, you will need to contact the instructor for the course.

The instructional laboratory staff is always interested in feedback. Let us know if you find typos or mistakes, or let us know if you have comments about what you like or don't like about the lab experience.