Specific learning outcomes include familiarisation with a wide range of experimental equipment and techniques used in research (with some emphasis on astrophysics and space science) and industry, development of programming skills applied to the interfacing of computers to scientific equipment and physical simulation, application of data analysis methods (including curve fitting and statistics) to experimental data, and the development of a capability to carry out a complete experimental project from the planning/setting-up stage to the production of a report/publication detailing the results. The practical laboratory also provides a natural environment for students to develop their transferable skills. These include time management, report writing, critical thinking, experimental planning, problem solving, oral presentation and co-operative work.
