Module overview
The course is devoted to carrying out a series of experiments from the area of photonics and related technologies. The experiments have been selected to underpin and illustrate some fundamental concepts in laser and fibre science and offer an opportunity to develop the correct use of key experimental techniques. After the lab part of the course is completed, a conference will be held where the students will give presentations on one of the experiments carried out.
Note this is a course only for MSc students.
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge and Understanding
Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:
- The understanding of the underlying, physical effects behind the results
- Knowledge of advanced functionality such as real time control and advanced mathematical processing
- Ability to extrapolate and link the observed effects to other, relevant areas of physics
Subject Specific Intellectual and Research Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Ability to discuss, analyse and interpret the results, both in writing and verbally
- Ability to write software that will control and interrogate external equipment via different interface buses
- Understanding of basic programming using a graphical programming language
- Clear, concise and informative writing up an experiment as a preparation for summarising results for a scientific paper
- Correct planning and executing experiments accompanied by recording of laboratory work and relevant observations in lab books together with computer based data acquisition
- Precision and correct handling of experimental data sets, their plotting and curve-fitting as well as the estimation of uncertainties
Transferable and Generic Skills
Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:
- Clear delivery of an oral conference presentation of a standard expected at scientific conferences and actively participate in related discussions.
- Ability to manipulate extracted data; display in a useful manner and export to file
Syllabus
The course will consist of Laboratory, Conference and Transferable Skills sections. In the Laboratory part students will carry out a selection of experiments based around photonics fundamentals, devices, and methods. These will cover topics like the speed of light, active and passive photonic materials, optical modulation techniques, lasers, fibre and waveguiding systems. Towards the end of the module each student will make a short presentation on one of the experiments.
Learning and Teaching
Teaching and learning methods
During the main lab sessions students will work on their own or in pairs, but will be supervised by demonstrators. It is expected that students engage in discussions with demonstrators and are ready to answer their questions regarding technical and physics related aspects of their experiments.
Laboratory scripts will be made available for guidance.
The initial lab sessions are devoted to general training and short introductory measurement activity to demonstrate the right methodology in carrying out experiments. Dedicated data handling and error analysis sessions are also included.
| Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Independent Study | 75 |
| Teaching | 75 |
| Total study time | 150 |
Assessment
Assessment strategy
Students prepare for the labs and this prelim preparation is assessed at the beginning of each lab session. Marking and feedback from demonstrators on the experiments carried out will be provided via individual vivas on selected experiments. The marking sessions are scheduled separately and are not during the normal lab hours.
Performance on each experiment will be assessed, including the initial preparation. The mark will take into account answers to any set questions, knowledge of the experiment to be carried out and the understanding of the relevant, background physics as well as data presentation and analysis. Both written and verbal contributions are expected. A blank marksheet and the marking criteria are included in the course materials. This system will apply to a selection of the standard experiments carried out through the semester except for the first marks that come from the initial hands-on activity and data handling assignments.
For the Conference, the talks will be assessed by a team of markers, consisting of demonstrators and academics. The presentations will be marked for their scientific content, delivery, and the answers to the questions from the audience (fellow students) and the markers.
Both parts, lab and conference, are compulsory.
Summative
This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Laboratory | 88% |
| Conference presentation | 12% |
Referral
This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Laboratory | 100% |
Repeat Information
Repeat type: Internal