Physics Laboratory Courses
Physics lab courses at Yale are NOT linked to the lecture courses. They operate as wholly separate, graded 1/2 credit classes. While these labs will expose you to some basic concepts of physics, their primary objective is to give you experience and expertise in laboratory tools and techniques. This includes quantitative measurement strategies, data analysis using computational tools (computers, software), and experimental design. You will also learn how to safely operate measurement tools such as multimeters, oscilloscopes, power supplies and function generators, just to name a few.
There are two separate introductory physics lab tracks. You should choose the one that best meets your goals, requirements, and interests. If after reading this and the Canvas course pages (which have much more information) about which lab you should take, we recommend consulting your advisor or the DUS of physics. Physics lab courses do not need to be taken concurrently with any lecture class, though many students opt for this approach, with many also enrolling in lab after completing their physics lecture course.
Physics 1650L and Physics 1660L - General Physics Lab I and II
This is our two semester Fall/Spring physics lab sequence primarily for life sciences majors. If you are or have taken Physics 1700/1710 or Physics 1800/1810 and are majoring in a life science, you may prefer this course (though you can take Physics 2050L/2060L instead). Physics 1650 revolves around a weekly physics lab experiment covering a concept from the first semester of an introductory physics course, while Physics 1660 focuses on topics from the second semester. Some lab topics may be covered in lecture, but there is no coordination between the lab content and the content of the particular lecture class you may be taking. Students are assessed on the quality of their laboratory participation and preparation, their laboratory notebooks, and a midterm and final practical exam.
Physics 2050L and Physics 2060L - Modern Physics Lab I and II
This is our two semester sequence (both courses run Fall AND Spring, every year) primarily but not exclusively for engineering and physical science majors. If you are, or have taken Physics 1800/1810, 2000/2010 or 2600/2610 you may prefer (and we recommend) this course, though you can take it even if enrolled in Physics 1700/1710. In Physics 2050L, you will perform a variety of experiments designed to train you in experimental design, data collection, analysis (with Python), and display, and the use of modern research grade measurement tools. Our objective is to give you the ability to work successfully in a research laboratory and to be prepared for our advanced laboratory course: Physics 4450L. Physics 2050L revolves around 12 weekly experiments. You are assessed on engagement, homework, preparation, and lab notebooks. There is no practical exam. In Physics 2060L you have more autonomy. With your partner, you will choose a set of 9 different experiments from a suite of 23 possible to complete over the course of the semester. You are assessed strictly on your data analysis and lab reports. Please note that Physics 2060L is required before taking Physics 4450L.
For those who are doing the Physics (Intensive) major it is a requirement that they take the advanced physics lab which focuses on modern experimental methods and concepts in atomic, optical, nuclear, and condensed matter physics.
PHYS 4450L, Advanced Physics Laboratory
Laboratory experiments with some discussion of theory and techniques. An advanced course focusing on modern experimental methods and concepts in atomic, optical, nuclear, and condensed matter physics. Intended to prepare students for independent research. For majors in the physical sciences. After or concurrently with PHYS 439 or 440, or with the permission of the instructor. This is a 1-credit course. Physics 2060L is required before taking this course. This course is for majors in the physical sciences.
