Regener Hall Physics Laboratories

As of Fall 2023, this page will no longer be updated. All course information for the introductory Physics and Astronomy laboratory courses has been moved into Canvas. Please see your Canvas course page for the lab schedule, syllabus, and TA information. If you have other questions regarding the labs, please contact your lab TA or the lab supervisor.

The Department of Physics and Astronomy offers a group of one-credit introductory lab courses in Regener Hall. They are designed to acquaint you with fundamental physical principles in a laboratory environment. Physics is an experimental science. A physicist poses a question in the form of an experiment, analyzes the results of that experiment, and then makes predictions based on the experimental observations. A theory is then proposed to "explain" the observations. If the predictions of the experiment and the theory can be applied to many situations, a "Law" of physics is established. Physical laws are constantly tested by experiment. Thought or Gedanken experiments are useful, but a physical law survives only if laboratory verification is possible.

Your laboratory course will acquaint you with the experimental process. You will see the limitations posed by experimental procedures and the difficulties that can arise when experimental observations are analyzed. As you become familiar with performing an experiment you may find other ways of collecting or interpreting your data. Feel free to experiment! There is no "right" or "wrong" way to perform an experiment in physics. Just remember the question you are trying to answer, and be guided by your common sense (called "physical intuition" when you become really proficient)!

The experiments are designed to clarify the physical phenomena discussed in your lecture course. Feel free to discuss your laboratory experiment with any lecture instructor, and the lecture topic with any lab instructor. Both instructors are eager to help you understand the material!

Class Hours and Attendance

Your laboratory class will meet in Regener Hall and begin promptly at the designated time. Be punctual! Attendance is mandatory and is a factor in your grade. The schedule for each laboratory is available through the main menu above.

Missing one lab without excuse will lower the maximum possible semester grade to B. Missing more than one lab without excuse will result in a semester grade of F.

Lab Workbook & Calculator

Your laboratory instructor will inform you of the Lab Workbook required for your section and how to obtain it. Bring a calculator to class.

Lab Reports

A satisfactory lab report documenting each week’s experiment is required. Your instructor will inform you of what constitutes a satisfactory lab report. Your lab report should be completed before the end of each class.

Instructor Evaluation

Your instructor's evaluation of your performance will count toward the grade you receive. Talk to your instructor if you are having difficulty with your lab assignments or if you plan to be absent.

Grading

Your final grade will be determined based on your attendance, your participation in the laboratory including teamwork, and your submission of satisfactory lab reports. The grade of A+ will be reserved for exceptionally meritorious performance.

Students with Disabilities

Qualified students with disabilities needing appropriate academic adjustments should contact your instructor as soon as possible to ensure your needs are met in a timely manner. Handouts are available in alternative accessible formats upon request.

Regener Lab Office

If you have comments or suggestions, or if there are issues you cannot resolve with your lab instructor, contact the Lab Director who can be reached in or near the Lab Office, 113 Regener Hall (Voice: 277-2751) or by email at jldowell@unm.edu.

These are your labs. We want them to meet your needs and aspirations!