Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2025 - PHYS 233 LA01

Physics Laboratory III (3)

Class Number: 5063

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 3 – Dec 2, 2025: Tue, 1:30–5:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    PHYS 133 or PHYS 141 or ENSC 120, with a minimum grade of C-. Recommended Prerequisite: CMPT 120.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Statistical data analysis, experimental design and scientific communication, studied in the context of experiments spanning a range of physical systems. Quantitative.

COURSE DETAILS:

This course has three main educational goals; by the end of the course, you should:  
1.  Develop skill using physical models to guide experimentation, including experimental design, analysis, and troubleshooting. 
2.  Develop an appreciation for good experimental documentation, including regular note-taking, clear graphical data visualization, and logical argument.
3.  Learn to use basic statistical methods and computer software to test theoretical claims with experimental observations.

The course is designed to help you achieve these three goals.  The first part of the course will focus on building skills in data analysis using Python. Students will engage in a number of small experiments to practice these techniques. In the second part of the course, students will perform two extended experiments to apply these techniques to a variety of physical phenomena. 

Course Delivery:

*This course is being taught face to face on campus. Students are expected to attend all scheduled lab sessions.

Modes of teaching:
·   Lecture: in-person (Tuesdays 1:30-2:20 pm in AQ 5016)
·   Laboratory: in person (Thursdays 1:30 - 5:20pm, Lab rooms: P9413 and P9423)
·   Office hours: remote, in-person (synchronous)
·   Tests: in-person (synchronous); dates: TBA

Grading

  • Laboratory notebooks 50%
  • Technical summaries 20%
  • Data analysis assignments and tests 30%

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

Required Text:
Measurements and Their Uncertainties: A Practical Guide to Modern Error Analysis
by Hughes and Hase

*Students can purchase text from online retailer if e-book not available at SFU Library.

*Computer and internet connection required, including: word processing (e.g. LaTeX, MS Word), data analysis (e.g. python), scanner or camera for assignment and test uploading.

REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

Department Undergraduate Notes:

Students who cannot write their exam during the course's scheduled exam time must request accommodation from their instructor in writing, clearly stating the reason for this request, within one week of the final exam schedule being posted.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.

To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit: 


RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.