The third year laboratory functions as an open laboratory where, apart from attending at their scheduled times, students can also come in at other times to work, individually, through experiments at their own pace. The level lII physics experimental courses include experiments selected from a wide range of topics in physics. Experimental instructions are fairly explicit but there is scope for initiative and extension, by interested students, in many of the experiments. Apart from reinforcing and illustrating various concepts presented in level II and III physics lecture courses, and allowing students to become acquainted with new instruments and techniques, the experimental courses try to encourage a critical attitude towards scientific enquiry by promoting an awareness of the limitations of apparatus, techniques and theories. Student skills in the clear communication of observations and technical concepts, both orally and in writing, are also further developed.

Assessment is continuous and comprises a discussion with a specialist academic demonstrator at the end of each experiment. Assessment criteria are issued to students so that they know what is expected. Minimum competency is achieved; if the performance in an experiment is unsatisfactory, the student is asked to repeat the offending part of the experiment or to read and think more about it for further assessment. There are no end-of-session examinations..

The concepts, techniques and equipment encountered in this laboratory, are widely employed in the physical sciences as well as finding use in fields such as communications, medicine, geology and surveying. The training in the practice of rigorous scientific method offered in these courses thus makes them of interest to students from a wide variety of scientific disciplines.