Laboratory of Optics and Modern Physics

The course aims to provide methodological bases to experimental Physics, through laboratory experiments on optics and modern physics. The learning objectives of the course are as follows:
1. Understand the connection between the physical laws applied to achieve experimental goals and the design of experimental setups for measuring physical quantities of interest in optics and/or modern physics.
2. Develop a scientific approach to the set-up of experimental apparatus and to the use of measurement instruments, gaining skill and autonomy in addressing and solving minor experimental issues, including collaborative group interaction.
3. Be able to collect and archive experimental data and to identify the most appropriate statistical processing method, based on available data and the goal of the optics and modern physics topics proposed.
4. Interpret and analyze the results obtained, critically identifying possible methodological errors and proposing mitigation strategies and/or corrective actions for the future.
5. Acquire the scientific language relevant to optics and modern physics, developing the ability to use it to formally present concepts and reasoning.

By the end of the course, the student achieves the following outcomes:
KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING
Understands the objectives and physical laws underlying the proposed experiments in optics and modern physics.
Knows the provided instrumentation and its operational principles.
Understands primary measurement methods (e.g., direct and indirect measurement of a physical quantity, null method, inductive method).
Observes specific phenomena in optics and modern physics experiments and is able to frame them within a coherent theoretical context.
APPLYING KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING
Can use/assemble the available equipment to set up an experiment suitable for measuring the quantities required to meet each experiment's objectives.
Is able to correctly use and read measurement instruments to acquire relevant data and to perform (when needed) the calibration of the equipment.
Can effectively process acquired data, correctly using the formulas that relate them to the physical quantity to be determined, and critically choosing an appropriate statistical approach for analysis.
MAKING JUDGMENTS
Can identify similar physical phenomena in different experiments.
Determines and establishes the most appropriate experimental conditions for measuring a specific physical quantity using a given setup.
Identifies errors in methodology and/or data acquisition and can develop possible mitigation strategies and/or hypotheses for corrective actions.
Critically discusses the limits within which actual experimental setups behave in accordance with ideal models.
COMMUNICATIONS SKILLS
Strengthens group work abilities.
Gains mastery of specific scientific terminology, using it accurately in both written form (through report writing) and orally.
Can clearly express concepts, deductions, and reasoning, supporting them with the appropriate terminology.
LEARNING SKILLS
Is able to independently find reliable sources of information to fill information gaps (e.g., tabulated wavelengths for light emissions of atoms used in lamps).