Modern Physics Laboratory

Catalog description

33-340 is an upper-level laboratory course that extends the experimental foundation of 33-104 into a more advanced and independent experience. Students complete a number of experiments in modern physics, with an emphasis on careful measurement strategy for a variety of instrumentation, advanced treatment of uncertainties, and sophisticated methods of data analysis. The course prioritizes professional scientific practice: maintaining high-quality lab records, troubleshooting instrumentation with limited guidance, and communicating results in formats that mirror real scientific research (e.g., talks and journal-style writing). The physics content serves as the context for building experimental judgment, reliability, and technical maturity. Prerequisites: 33-234 and ( 33-331 or 33-338 or 33-341 )