27211 - Physical Experimentations 1

Learning outcomes

The aim of the course is to provide an introduction to the statistical interpretation of experimental data and to the analysis of the uncertainties. The student will be able to use the main statistical techniques to calculate the parameters of a polynomial relation, to verify or reject statistical hypotheses and to perform simple laboratory experiments.

Course contents

• The experimental method; the International System of units; experimental uncertainties, systematic and random uncertainties; precision and accuracy; statistical description of the data; histograms and distributions.

• Introduction to probability and statistics; probability distributions (Gauss, uniform, binomial, Poisson); moments of a distribution; theorem of Bayes; central limit theorem.

• Propagation of uncertainties; maximum likelihood; method of the least mean squares; chi-square; Student's distribution; methods to reject outliers from a data sample; MonteCarlo methods

• Laboratory experiences: Geiger counter; conservation of momentum.

• Computer lab: statistical analysis with R; simulation of random numbers; use of MonteCarlo methods

 

Readings/Bibliography

J.R. Taylor, "Introduzione all'analisi degli errori, Zanichelli.

P. Fornasini, “The uncertainty in physical measurements”, Springer.

R. Piazza, “I capricci del caso”, Springer

Teaching methods

Teaching includes powerpoint presentations and blackboard lessons.

The course includes the mandatory participation to some laboratory experiences related to experiments on mechanics and general physics. Students will be divided into working groups of 3-4 students each. Also, the course includes lessons in the computer lab aimed at applying the main statistical techniques. 

Assessment methods

The exam includes:

• a final report for each group including a description of the experiments and obtained results
• an individual test of informatics aimed at applying the main statistical techniques 
• an oral exam consisting in questions related to statistics and probability; during the exam will be discussed the reports of the laboratory experiences

Teaching tools

Powerpoint presentations and blackboard.

Office hours

See the website of Alessio Mucciarelli