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Instructor: Adrian Hightower; HSC 117; x2826; hightower@oxy.edu, http://faculty.oxy.edu/hightower

Meeting Times: Tuesday 1:30 – 4:30 HSC 004

Office Hours: Monday and Wednesdays 1:30 - 3:00 PM or by appointment.

Text Books:

An Introduction to Error Analysis, by John Taylor, required text.

Physics 316 Lab Manual.  Handed out in class.

Experiments in Modern Physics, by Melissinos, not required.

 The Goal:  The goal of Physics 316 is to prepare students to participate in independent experimental research.  Four components of this preparation include:

1. Library Research – Independent literature searches are necessary to complete the experiments presented in this course.  Papers are required to contain sited references.

2. Experimentation – Proper laboratory safety and procedures will be practiced at all times.  Students are to maintain neat and dated laboratory notebooks.

3. Analysis – Error analysis and data interpretation will be focused on in each laboratory.

4. Writing – Each laboratory will be summarized in the form of a paper.  You will be graded heavily on your ability to write clearly and concisely.  Two of your laboratory papers from this course will be included in your writing portfolio.