2023 BFY4 Abstract Detail Page
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| Abstract Title: |
Experiment control: a Python course |
| Abstract: |
Experiment Control: A Python Course (ECPC) is an advanced undergraduate laboratory program that teaches the development of Python applications for data acquisition. The course begins with an exploration of the characteristics of a Light Emitting Diode (LED), with students measuring current over a voltage range. This introductory experiment serves as a foundation for learning the essentials of experiment control. Students then apply their skills to a more complex experiment, investigating the behavior of a solar panel by varying the load resistance.
During ECPC, students with a basic understanding of Python programming are led through the process of controlling an Arduino device and collecting experimental data. They learn to follow programming etiquette by breaking down their Python code into logical components using the Model-View-Controller (MVC) design pattern. They also learn to use GitHub for version control and Poetry for dependency management, which enables them to combine their code into a single, installable package. Additionally, students learn how to create a useful application by developing a Command Line Interface (CLI) that enables users to interact with the device, perform data analysis, and store data. In the final part of the course, they design a Graphical User Interface (GUI) to simplify the control of the experiment.
ECPC provides students with valuable experience in programming, data acquisition, and software engineering. In this poster presentation, we will discuss the course's design and implementation, present data on student performance, and share feedback from student surveys. |
| Abstract Type: |
Poster
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Author/Organizer Information |
| Primary Contact: |
Annelies Vlaar
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Presentation Documents |
| Contributed Poster: |
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