Junior Lab (PHYS 3711/3721)

The Experimental Physics Decathlon

The goal of the Experimental Physics Decathlon is to provide you with a laboratory experience in each of 10 major areas of physics. You will learn key ideas that shape specific topics of physics, you will use unique types of instrumentation, and you will find out how each topic is connected to ongoing research. Thus you will gain both breadth and depth in understanding the practical application of fundamental physics in the laboratory. You will also see physics as it is actually practiced in experimental research.

The 10 Junior Lab topic areas are:

  • Mechanics and Nonlinear Dynamics
  • Electromagnetism 
  • Thermodynamics and Statistical Physics
  • Fundamental Quantum Behavior  
  • Nuclear and Elementary Particle Physics 
  • Atomic and Molecular Physics
  • Lasers and Physical Optics
  • Condensed Matter Physics
  • Fluid Mechanics and Acoustics
  • Plasma Physics

Your goal will be to complete one experiment in each of these areas over the two-semester span of Junior Lab. There will be three weeks for each experiment, so you will need to develop the skill of "coming up to speed" quickly. Success in this skill depends on your grasp of fundamental concepts in physics. You will find that this capability will be incredibly valuable throughout your life: the hallmark of all physicists is the ability to use fundamental knowledge to rapidly become productive in new areas of work. Your completion of the experimental physics decathlon will show future employers or graduate school advisors that you possess this hallmark trait.

Historical Background

As a matter of historical background, here are the sporting events in the Olympic decathlon:

Day 1 Day 2
100 meters 110 meter hurdle
Long jump Discus
Shotput Pole vault
High jump Javelin
400 meters 1500 meters

“The decathlon has its ancestry in the Ancient Greek Games and reveals the Greek model of a balanced, all-around athlete.”

Our goal with the experimental physics decathlon is to achieve a similar idea of balanced, all-around knowledge and skills.

The goals of each experiment or "event" in the Physics Decathlon are:

  • Connect fundamental physics to one or more advanced concepts in the specific topic.
  • Employ a key type of advanced instrumentation.
  • Demonstrate good practice in laboratory procedure and notebook-keeping.
  • Rigorously apply appropriate methods of data analysis.
  • Reach conclusions that connect to current research.
  • Provide a foundation for application of physics in your later career.