You will perform six experiments during the semester, working with a lab partner. The first two are one-week "minilabs", and for these you will only turn in your log book for grading. The next three are two-week labs, and for these you need to turn in your log book along with a short writeup explaining the theory and referring to your log book for details. The last experiment is three weeks, and for this you will turn in a formal lab report, complete with figures, abstract, and other sections. Each student must turn in her or his own lab book or lab report.
There are six experiment sequences listed in the description of the experiments. If you prefer any particular sequence, tell me now and I will assign them on a first come-first served basis. If there is someone you would like to work with as a lab partner, please let me know that, too. Also, if you'd rather work in the Tuesday or Thursday lab section, tell me and I'll try to set it up that way. (I don't care how the registrar assigned you.)
You can work in the lab after hours by getting the key from the Physics Department office in exchange for your ID. Only one key at a time may be let out this way. You may also get help from the TA's. Please make sure the lab is locked up when nobody is around.
For labs three, four, and five (the two-week labs), you are to go over your first week's results and analysis with Nicolle before starting on the second week. You will be pre-graded on your lab book at this point. Failure to have your intermediate analysis ready will cost you a letter grade in that lab report.
For your final lab report use the guidelines in the notes, Sec.1.4, or visit the Writing Center for help. Turn in a draft to Nicolle after two weeks, and wait for comments before turning in your revised report. This final lab report must be in my hands by the date listed in the sequence. The report will be graded primarily for content, but good style and clarity will only help you get a better grade.
Your final course grade will come from the three homework assignments (about 10%), the two minilabs (about 20%), the three standard labs (about 45%), and the formal lab report (about 25%). I say "about" because these are not rigid rules, and they may vary somewhat in special cases. Letter grades on labs will correspond to 95 (A), 85 (B), 75 (C), and 65 (D). A "+" is worth three more points, except for an A+ which I take to be 100, and a "-" is three points less. This type of grading is necessarily subjective, but an A implies clear understanding of the physics and a complete analysis, including an estimate of the experimental uncertainties. A nonexistant writeup, or one that shows little work outside the laboratory, is an F (no points).
We are happy to discuss expectations and grading at any time. If you feel any grade you get was unfair, I would be glad to discuss it with you personally.