Ateneo - UPO

Geometrical optics and complements of physical optics. Spectroscopic and absorbance measurements. Complements on DC and AC circuits and electrical measurements. RC, LC, RLC filters. Semiconductor devices: diodes and transistors and their application to electrical circuits. Use of multimeters, power supply, waveform generator, and oscilloscopes. Laboratory work on these subjects.

G. Cannelli, Metodologie sperimentali in fisica, Terza edizione, EdiSES 2010 – ISBN: 9788879596794;
Robert L. Boylestad, Brian A. Olivari, "Introductory Circuit Analysis", 14th edition, Pearson 2022 - ISBN: 0137594119, 9780137594115
Textbooks listed for Physics II.
Materials provided by the professor.

The course completes the study of electromagnetic phenomena by covering geometrical optics, interference, diffraction and polarization phenomena, as well as alternating-current circuits, diodes, transistors and basic electronic circuits.
The course is structured into teacher-led activities (DE), devoted to the presentation of theoretical and methodological aspects and accounting for approximately one third of the overall teaching activities, and interactive teaching activities (DI), consisting mainly of exercises and experimental laboratory activities and accounting for approximately two thirds of the overall teaching activities. The course is complemented by individual study and self-learning activities, including independent study, the processing and analysis of data collected during laboratory experiments, and the independent preparation of laboratory reports.
From an experimental perspective, the course aims to provide students with the skills required to design and carry out laboratory experiments independently and consciously, correctly applying measurement techniques, instrument handling, and data acquisition procedures. Particular emphasis is placed on the critical evaluation of experimental data, the statistical treatment of uncertainties, and the graphical representation of results, with the aim of developing the ability to quantitatively compare experimental observations with theoretical predictions.
Interactive teaching activities (DI) therefore play a central role in achieving the learning objectives of the course through the practical application of theoretical concepts, the performance of experiments, the analysis of experimental data, and the discussion of results.

Data analysis topics of the course “Physics Laboratory I” (first year), links with the parallel course “Physics II” (first semester of the second year).

Lectures on selected topics in optics and electrical circuits, together with practical sessions in the physics laboratory involving experiments in electromagnetism, optics, and electrical circuits.

Laboratory activities require the active participation of students in setting up and carrying out experiments, acquiring and analysing data, and discussing the results obtained. Students are encouraged to critically compare experimental results with theoretical predictions, assess the appropriateness of the procedures used, and identify possible sources of error or critical issues, progressively developing independent judgement and critical thinking skills.

Monitoring the learning process: this will be achieved by posing questions to students during lectures and laboratory practice, and also through quizzes proposed on the D.I.R. platform.
Students with physical disabilities, Learning Disabilities or Special Education Needs can request specific services and tools via the Staff Sviluppo e Coordinamento Carriere e Servizi alle Studentesse e agli Studenti,
consulting the University webpage: https://www.uniupo.it/en/services/services-students-physical-or-learning-disabilities
Students with disabilities, learning disabilities or special education needs, once they have contacted the University Staff, can refer to the tutor in charge of the course to define the examination modalities, concerning academic aspects.

Assessment is based on three elements: written reports on the laboratory experiments, the maintenance of a laboratory notebook, and an oral examination on the physics underlying the experiments and on the statistical analysis of data. The oral examination includes discussion of the reports and the ability to reproduce and discuss one of the experiments presented during the course.
The overall grade is based on an integrated assessment of these three elements. In order to pass the examination, students must achieve at least the minimum level defined for the different Expected Learning Outcomes.

In particular:
- the laboratory reports assess the ability to apply knowledge and understanding, independent judgement, and communication skills, through the correct description of the experimental procedure, data analysis, presentation of results using tables and graphs, and their interpretation;
- the laboratory notebook assesses the ability to correctly apply experimental procedures, document the work carried out in an orderly and consistent manner, and develop autonomy in the organization and analysis of experimental activities;
- the oral examination assesses knowledge and understanding of the physics of the phenomena studied and of the main techniques of statistical data analysis, as well as the ability to discuss experimental procedures, the results obtained, and their comparison with theoretical predictions in an informed manner.

A passing level is achieved with reports demonstrating an understanding of the experimental procedure and adequate data-analysis skills, an orderly and consistent laboratory notebook, and successful completion of the oral examination, demonstrating an adequate basic knowledge of the physics of the phenomena studied and of the main techniques of statistical data analysis. These requirements correspond to achievement of the minimum level of the Expected Learning Outcomes specified in the relevant section.
Higher assessment levels correspond to progressively greater achievement of the advanced level of the Expected Learning Outcomes. Excellence is achieved through complete mastery of the topics, high-quality reports containing a critical and in-depth analysis of the results, a precise and systematic laboratory notebook, and a clear, independent, and technically appropriate discussion of the experimental and theoretical aspects. Students are also expected to make an informed and quantitative comparison between experimental results and model predictions, assessing any discrepancies and critically interpreting them.
For the preparation of the laboratory reports and laboratory notebook, the reference material consists of the material related to the laboratory experiments, the instructions provided during practical sessions, and the experimental data collected. For the preparation of the oral examination, students should refer to the teaching material related to the lectures, the experiments performed, and the statistical data-analysis methods presented during the course.

The course of Physics Laboratory II addresses the experimental study of electromagnetic, optical, and electronic phenomena, with the goal of consolidating theoretical knowledge and developing practical skills in measurement, data analysis, and interpretation. The first part of the course introduces the passive components of electrical circuits (resistors, capacitors, and inductors) and voltage and current generators, together with the techniques for measuring fundamental electrical quantities using both analog and digital instruments. The use of waveform generators, multimeters, and oscilloscopes is studied in detail and applied to alternating current circuits, with particular attention to RC, RL, and RLC configurations, the use of phasors, resonance phenomena, and the properties of filters. Circuit simulation with dedicated software is also introduced as a support to laboratory activity. The course then covers fundamental electronic devices, such as diodes and transistors, and their applications in basic circuits. Principles of operation of advanced measuring instruments and the fundamentals of analog electronics, including amplifiers, are also discussed. A section of the course is dedicated to geometrical and physical optics. Topics include refraction, image formation with thin lenses, and the functioning of optical instruments. From the wave optics perspective, interference and diffraction phenomena are analyzed, together with the use of diffraction gratings, the study of light polarization and its applications, and the processes of transmission and absorption of light radiation, including the Lambert–Beer law. In parallel with the lectures, the course includes nine laboratory experiments through which students put their acquired knowledge into practice, developing operational skills with laboratory instrumentation, techniques for data acquisition and handling, statistical analysis of results, and critical comparison between experimental observations and theoretical models.

- Knowledge and understanding
Minimum level for a passing grade: knowledge of the fundamental applied aspects of electromagnetism related to the propagation and transmission of light, the flow of direct and alternating current, the use of resistors, capacitors and inductors in simple circuits, and the use of the simplest semiconductor devices. Knowledge of the fundamental principles of electrical safety.
Advanced level: in-depth knowledge of the applied aspects of electromagnetism related to the propagation and transmission of light, the flow of direct and alternating current, the use of resistors, capacitors and inductors in simple circuits, and the use of the simplest semiconductor devices. Good command of the principles of electrical safety.
- Applying knowledge and understanding
Minimum level for a passing grade: ability to set up an experimental system and perform simple optical measurements. Ability to correctly use electronic instruments such as signal generators, multimeters and oscilloscopes, and to build simple electrical circuits.
Advanced level: ability to independently set up an experimental system and correctly perform optical measurements. Confident and correct use of electronic instruments such as signal generators, multimeters and oscilloscopes. Ability to design and build simple electrical circuits.
- Making judgements
Minimum level for a passing grade: ability to assess the correctness of the method used and the plausibility of the results obtained. Ability to evaluate a laboratory report through the peer-review method.
Advanced level: ability to critically assess the correctness of the method used and of the results obtained, and to identify possible limitations or critical issues. Ability to critically evaluate a laboratory report through the peer-review method.
- Communication skills
Minimum level for a passing grade: ability to participate in group work and clearly communicate the experimental procedures used through a laboratory report. Ability to use tables and graphs to communicate the operating characteristics of an electrical circuit or component.
Advanced level: ability to organize group work and clearly and comprehensively communicate the experimental procedures used through a laboratory report. Ability to effectively use tables and graphs to communicate the operating specifications of an electrical circuit or component.
- Learning skills
Minimum level for a passing grade: acquisition of an adequate knowledge of experimental methods in electromagnetism, electrical circuits and optics, allowing their application in the areas covered during the course.
Advanced level: acquisition of a good command of experimental methods in electromagnetism, electrical circuits and optics, enabling students to independently expand their knowledge in the continuation of their studies.