An advanced course in the design and construction of automated sensory, control, and data acquisition systems. Students will participate in several multi-week projects in collaboration with their physics colleagues, requiring strong coordination, clear communications, and a firm understanding of experimental methods, uncertainty analysis, and experimental design in order to design and construct working experimental apparatus. Students will gain experience with the tools and practices associated with the development of automated systems, including the design and fabrication of parts and assemblies, construction and testing of systems, creation of assembly drawings, oral presentation of results, and the writing of user’s manuals. Students will also gain valuable experience in leadership, scheduling, budgeting, procurement, and overall project management. Three lectures and one laboratory period per week. Prerequisites: PHYS 225, MATH 132. Spring semester, alternate years.