Experimental Methods for Science and Engineering Students: An Introduction to the Analysis and Presentation of Data

Responding to the developments of the past twenty years, Les Kirkup has thoroughly updated his popular book on experimental methods, while retaining the extensive coverage and practical advice from the first edition. Many topics from that edition remain, including keeping a record of work, how to deal with measurement uncertainties, understanding the statistical basis of data analysis and reporting the results of experiments. However, with new technologies influencing how experiments are devised, carried out, analyzed, presented and reported, this new edition reflects the digital changes which have taken place and the increased emphasis on the importance of communication skills in reporting results. Bringing together key elements of experimental methods into one coherent book, it is perfect for students seeking guidance with their experimental work, including how to acquire, analyse and present data. Exercises, worked examples and end-of-chapter problems are provided throughout the book to reinforce fundamental principles.

Table of Contents:
Preface to the second edition; Preface to the first edition; 1. Introduction to experimentation; 2. Characteristics of experimental data; 3. Graphical presentation of data; 4. Dealing with uncertainties; 5. Statistical approach to variability in measurements; 6. Fitting a line to x-y data using the method of least squares; 7. Report writing and presentations; 8. Using Excel to present and analyse data; 9. Computer-aided data capture; Appendix 1; Appendix 2; Solutions to exercises and problems; Further reading; References; Index.

About the Author :
Les Kirkup is an Adjunct Professor in the Faculty of Science at the University of Technology Sydney, and Honorary Professor in the School of Physics at the University of Sydney. He has devised laboratory programmes and taught extensively in undergraduate laboratories. He has been recognised for his work supporting student learning in laboratories with two national fellowships, and the Australian Institute of Physics Education Medal.

Review :
'As an instructor in electrical engineering and a researcher in photonic engineering, I am quite confident to say that this book exceptionally explains the methods of experimentation and their presentation in terms of an article, poster, etc … This book is ideal for first-year undergraduates and postgraduate research students for making the perfect lab reports. Furthermore, this book can be used as a reference and textbook by faculty and the lab instructors who want to instil the method of experimentation, analysis and presentation of the results into the students … the book will address the needs of all the readers and students from various disciplines … the current edition of the book is amply illustrated, and deserves to be considered as a textbook for first-year undergraduate students in physics and engineering disciplines, and a reference book for early career researchers and laboratory instructors.' Muhammad Mahmood Ali, Contemporary Physics '… a very valuable book for physical science and engineering undergraduates, introducing them to the experimental processes of data gathering and analysis, then turning what was found into formal oral or written presentations … a great resource for academics teaching … significant value to science teachers …' Australian Physics