Lab Guide | Physics 2020

Student Lab Guide

To develop skills in laboratory measurement, estimation, argument, justification and reasoning
To support the concepts developed in the lectures and homework sets
To explore creatively the fundamental principles of physics and their consequences
To have fun -- yes! -- fun

Download and print a copy of each week’s lab or recitation assignment.
*Safety is Priority* - make sure you understand safe procedures for the equipment.
Complete your pre-lab homework, print it out, and turn it in upon entering the lab.
Show up on time. Finish during the allotted time of one hour and fifty minutes. Late-arriving students will not be given extra time.
Bring pencils, pens, a scientific calculator, and at least several sheets of paper. When taking data you should organize recordings so that you can refer to them later.
Work collaboratively in the lab, in groups of 2-4 defined by the lab instructor.
Everyone is to turn in a separate, original lab write-up.
Be creative and thorough, and have fun.

Your overall lab/recitation grade will count for 15% of your course grade. The prelab will contribute with 1/3 and the lab will contribute with 2/3 to your lab grade. Your participation/effort in the prelab/lab may affect your grade for better or worse.
You will receive a zero if you miss a lab or do not turn in your write-up (and do not make it up). If you choose to turn in a very low-quality lab report with no prelab, it is possible to get a zero.
If you receive a zero on more than 1 of your labs , you will receive a failing grade for the course! This is a big deal, it's a CU rule for courses with lab credit built in.

It is incumbent upon the student missing the lab to make it up, or you will receive a zero.
Makeups the same week are best: If you must miss a lab, arrange to visit another section the same week, and notify your substitute TA. It is at the discretion of the TAs whether or not to let you use their section for makeup work. He or she will sign your report, after which it is your responsibility to deliver it to your original TA.
Makeups after the lab week: If you can’t make up a lab the same week, notify your TA and make arrangements for a makeup lab. Out - of - week makeup labs will be available only during certain limited time periods!
We are sorry, but there are no other opportunities to make up a lab.