Welcome to Physics 427.
There are two aspects of this course: experimental techniques, and writing.
I address experimental techniques and knowledge in the lecture component of the course and in homework assignments. You will of course be using the lab period to gain practical experience in experimentation. Click on "Experiments" to the left to learn more about lab assignments and expectations.
The writing component is addressed via write-ups of your experimental work, and reviews of others' write-ups. You may learn more about the writing assignments by clicking the "Writing Assignments" link to the left. Note that all written work must be submitted in LaTeX, which is the standard for scientific publishing. Your work must also be written at a college level: a quick review of your notes from freshman comp and/or possibly this helpful video may be in order.
Some notes on scheduling:
First, there is no possible way that you will be able to complete the work required for this course in the three hours per week of "lab". You'd be wise block off a good chunk of time on your schedule for a regular research session, as I've done with Tuesday morning on my own schedule.
Second: Each of you will need to schedule a weekly 15-minute session with me as part of the class. This time is for one-on-one Q&A regarding assignments, experiments, writing review, work progress, parts needed to complete your projects, whatever. Please arrange your preferred time with me no later than 2pm Friday, August 31. This is not an "optional" portion of the class; attendance is mandatory.
Grading
Final grade is based on completion and quality of homework, lab work, and writing assignments. A 'B' in this class is something to be proud of; an 'A' is rare. There is a wildcard for the grading, though: If you publish work from this class in a peer-reviewed physics journal, you get an 'A'. This has been done.
One final note:
As you have no doubt noted during previous courses from me, I encourage questions. When you come to me with questions, you are not interrupting my work. I am a physics teacher. This is my work!