FACULTY OF SCIENCE

DEPARTMENT OF PHYSICS

STUDENT STUDY GUIDE

NAME OF COURSE: METROLOGY 1

NQF NQF
QUALIFICATION & SAQA ID COURSE CODE
LEVEL CREDITS

Diploma in Industrial Physics

5 10 (D3IP13)
SAQA ID No.: 88122

Edited by: Dr NM Thantsha

(2021)
 ©COPYRIGHT : Tshwane University of Technology

Private Bag X680

PRETORIA

0001

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permission in writing from the publisher.

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FACULTY OF SCIENCE

Tshwane University of Technology

PAGE 2 OF 19
A. ORGANISATIONAL COMPONENT CONTENTS:

1. Welcome..................................................................................................................5

2. Staff..........................................................................................................................5

2.1 Contact Details..................................................................................................5

2.2 Staff availability..................................................................................................6

3. Requirements, resources and recommended material........................................6

3.1 Requirements for the course.............................................................................6

4. Code of conduct....................................................................................................8

4.1 Attendance.........................................................................................................8

4.2 Classroom behaviour.........................................................................................9

4.3 Responsibilities of students...............................................................................9

B. LEARNING COMPONENT:

1. Overview of the course.........................................................................................9

1.1 Purpose of the course.......................................................................................9

1.2 Links to other subjects.....................................................................................10

1.3 Course outcomes............................................................................................10

2. Assessment........................................................................................................10

2.1 Assessment methods and criteria..................................................................10

2.2 Assessment rules............................................................................................11

2.3 Marking system...............................................................................................11

2.4 Year mark........................................................................................................11

2.5 Moderation...................................................................................................12

2.6 Promotion requirements..................................................................................12

3. Course content and schedule of tests and assignments....................................12

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 3.1 Course structure, outcomes and assessment criteria.....................................12

3.2 Generic outcomes and critical cross-field outcomes.......................................18

4. Glossary of terms................................................................................................18

5. Assessment Records..........................................................................................19

Example of a class test.......................................................................................19

6. Appendices.........................................................................................................19

Example of mark sheets used during various assessments during the course.......19

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 ORGANISATIONAL
SECTION A
COMPONENT

1. WELCOME

Welcome to Metrology I! Metrology I and the principles it offers, is one of the fundamental modules for the
Industrial Physics programme. All manufacturing processes are a collection of measurable parameters that
define success or failure. Metrology is the science of using tools to measure those parameters. Metrology I is a
first semester subject. It is offered via compulsory lectures, theory and practical as well as via myTUTor over 15
weeks. The course is structured in such a way as to provide a sound foundation in the science of measurement
and complement the major courses in the qualification, namely photonics, nuclear technology and industrial
physics. We hope to engage you through a very exciting course. You are welcome and trust you will enjoy the
course, and find it interesting and informative.

2. STAFF

2.1 CONTACT DETAILS

TEL NO ACADEMI
CAMPU ROO CONSULTATIO
NAME C
S M NO N TIMES
E-MAIL FUNCTION

Prof. JKO 0123826280/[email protected]. Subject

Arcadia 3-423
Asante za Head

Dr NM 012-382-6313/57 Lecturer/
Arcadia 3-406
Thantsha [email protected] Examiner

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 Ms S Librar Subject
Arcadia 012 382 6250
Appelcryn y Librarian

Dr M
Ramashidz NECSA [email protected] Moderator
a

2.2 STAFF AVAILABILITY

Students enrolled for this course are encouraged to attend lectures at all times and stick to the syllabus of the
course. If student(s) struggle to understand or follow during lectures, practical or tutorial sessions, lecturers are
available for consultations. Students are urged to use this opportunity to seek assistance regarding the concepts
that would need further clarification. The lecturers will communicate with the students about their availability
and consultation periods.

3. REQUIREMENTS, RESOURCES AND RECOMMENDED MATERIAL.

3.1 REQUIREMENTS FOR THE COURSE

3.1.1 Study material and requirements

(a) Notes

Students are expected to make notes during lectures. Additional notes in the form of handouts maybe
provided to students. At the end of a chapter or section student will be expected to do tutorial exercises (class
activities) or additional examples. Additional problems and other relevant materials will be uploaded onto
myTUTor and available to all students registered for this course.

(b) E-learning on myTUTor

myTUTor is an interactive webpage available under TUT website and is a convenient tool of communication
between lecturers and students. Every registered student will have access to myTUTor and students are
therefore urged to often consult this site for some notes, solutions to class tests and tutorial exercises,
assignments, home-works as well projects. Students are warned NOT to miss lectures and rely on myTUTor only.

3.1.1 PRESCRIBED RESOURCES

The following table indicates literature and resources essential for successful completion of this course. Students
are required to acquire the prescribed resources.

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 PRESCRIBED LITERATURE

CATEGORY AUTHOR NAME PUBLISHER ISBN NO

Scarr, A.J.T.
BOOKS Metrology and Precision 1967. New York:
Engineering. McGraw-Hill.

BOOKS Dotson, A. & Fundamental of Dimensional 2003. New York:

Connie, M. Metrology, 4th ed. Thomson.

OTHER PRESCRIBED RESOURCES

CATEGORY DESCRIPTION WHERE TO FIND COST LEVY

CALCULATOR Any Scientific

SOFTWARE

COMPONENTS Power-point slides myTutor

3.1.2 RECOMMENDED RESOURCES

The following recommend resources will enhance your understanding and knowledge in this course, and you are
encouraged to use the following additional resources.

RECOMMENDED RESOURCES

CATEGORY AUTHOR NAME PUBLISHER ISBN NO

BOOKS

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 NOTES

PAPERS

RECOMMENDED ELECTRONIC MATERIAL & WEBSITES

VIDEO

WEBSITE http://myTUTor.tut.ac.za/webct/entryPagelns.dowebct

4. CODE OF CONDUCT

Please take note of the following regulations. These regulations are in addition to the standard rules and
regulations as determined by the TUT. Please familiarise yourself with the TUT rules and regulations as set out in
the student diaries received on registration. In order for teaching/learning activities to run smoothly for all the
learning outcomes to be achieved, the following points must be noted:

4.1 ATTENDANCE

Regular attendance of Metrology I lectures is of primary importance. It is the student’s responsibility to sign the
attendance register each week. A minimum attendance of 75% of lectures is mandatory for all courses including
Metrology I. In a 15-week semester course, students are not allowed to miss 4 lectures or more which according
to TUT policy that is equivalent to at least 25% absenteeism. This described level of absenteeism will lead to
student not qualifying to write an examination, hence fail the course at the end of the course. A valid proof of
extenuating circumstances such as a letter from a medical doctor can grant a student qualification to write an
exam.

4.2 CLASSROOM BEHAVIOUR

Students are required to arrive on time for lectures. No making of noise during lectures and disruption of lectures
is prohibited. Students are to wear proper uniform for lab work namely; lab coat and closed-up shoes.

4.2.1. USAGE OF MOBILE PHONES IN CLASSES

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Mobille phones, tablets, iPads and laptops are not allowed to be used during lectures, tests and examinations.
You will be expelled from lectures/lab if you do not comply with this simple rule. A permission maybe granted by
the lecturer(s) to use laptops only during laboratory sessions.

4.3 RESPONSIBILITIES OF STUDENTS

It is the responsibility of the student to make a success of learning in this course. To this end students are
encouraged to attend lectures, write tests and hand in assignments, projects and lab reports by the due dates.

SECTION B LEARNING COMPONENT

1. OVERVIEW OF THE COURSE

All manufacturing processes are a collection of measurable parameters that define success or failure. Metrology
is the science of using tools to measure those parameters. Metrology tool selection, integration, and comparison
with baseline performance expectations (standards) are almost an everyday occurrence. Metrology I and the
principles it offers, is one of the fundamental modules for the Industrial Physics programme. The course will seek
to integrate knowledge of the fundamental concepts of metrology and principles of calibration. Furthermore,
Metrology I will assist students to determine the application of metrology on the manufacturing process that
involves measuring uncertainties related to various industrial and laboratory equipments.

1.1 PURPOSE OF THE COURSE

All instruments/equipments are manufactured to give some measurements. The technique of accounting for the
accuracy as well as the reliability of measurements from these tools must be known. Metrology I seeks to
advance those techniques.

In practical terms, the module, Metrology I would enable technicians to understand the capabilities and
limitations of their metrology and answer the following questions:

– Which metrology tool is the best for me?

– How do I know if it’s good enough?

– How often do I need to test and calibrate it?

– Why can’t I get the same results from more than one tool?

– What if the tool I have isn’t good enough for the application I have for it?

1.2 LINKS TO OTHER SUBJECTS

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Metrology I module is linked to the base course, Industrial Physics and its two electives, namely Photonics and
Nuclear Technology.

1.3 COURSE OUTCOMES

When you have successfully completed this course, you should have a thorough understanding of the concepts
of metrology and in the following outcomes:

 Demonstrate knowledge of basic fundamentals, terms and units of measurements

 Understand the Importance of Standardization; the Meter Convention and the International System of Units

 Analyze the components of successful measurements and their interdependence

 Analyze the various factors, like errors, uncertainties and ISO guides

 Manage the calibration of laboratory equipment in accordance to standards

 Demonstrate the knowledge and ability to develop, construct and conduct a laboratory experiment
according to a measuring system

 To write a scientific report

2. ASSESSMENT

2.1 ASSESSMENT METHODS AND CRITERIA

Assessment of this course will include written tests, experimental- simulations and practical work, as indicated in
the schedule under section 2.1.3. The purpose of assessment is to determine whether you have achieved the
learning outcomes. The various assessment methods therefore will focus on criteria that will enable the lecturer
to determine whether you have achieved the learning outcomes. The assessment criteria relevant to each
learning outcome are detailed in section 3. Please note that an official examination will be conducted at the end
of the semester. This, of course, implies that the student must apply him/herself to studying diligently from the
beginning of the semester. It is also of the utmost importance that you keep up with the work from the
beginning, not only through class attendance, but also through regular home study and exercises.

2.1.1. TUTORIAL

A compulsory tutorial is conducted from time to time. These tutorials will be used to evaluate the student’s
progress and will contribute to the final predicate mark.

2.1.2. PRACTICAL or LABORATORY WORK

Practical or experimental work contributes substantially to the final mark attained by the student and a
minimum of 50% is required for the practical component to pass this course. It is compulsory to attend all
practicals on the correct date and only medical certificates or burial notices will be accepted as excuses. The
student, who has provided either of the abovementioned documents, will be required to complete the
practical(s) after arranging a suitable time with the lecturer.

It is compulsory to wear protective clothing at all times in physics laboratories. Students without these safety
precautions may not enter the laboratory. Students must not enter laboratories without arrangement with the

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lecturer or laboratory technician, and may not carry out any experiment without permission from the
abovementioned staff personnel.

Laboratories: All laboratory work will be done in the following labs:

 Physics Laboratories, 3-4th floor, Arcadia Campus
 Computer Lab, 3-436, Arcadia Campus

2.1.3. ASSESSMENT:
o Two class tests will be written on the dates as shown in the timetable. (Note: tests dates may change).
o Assignment mark comprises practical report and/or assignment report.

2.2 ASSESSMENT RULES

The general rules of TUT regarding assessment apply. You are advised to familiarise yourself with these rules, as
they are applied stringently. Experimental reports must be handed in before the given deadlines. The only
tangible excuse that would be accepted in the event of someone missing a test is a doctor’s report or
bereavement in a family. Here, other arrangement will be made with the student.

2.3 MARKING SYSTEM

Three tests will be written for which each contribute 25% towards semester mark. Students are required to
perform a mini project and submit report in the form of scientific assignment report.

2.4 YEAR MARK

To get admission to the examination a student must obtain a semester/predicate mark of at least 40%. The
semester mark will comprise the following assessment criteria and their weights;

 2 Semester tests, will be weighted to 80%

 Practical report/Assignment, will be weighted to 20%
 TOTAL 100%

Predicate marks are put on the Department of Physics notice boards. If you have queries about your mark, you
must immediately consult your course lecturer (contact details are given above), before the predicate day.
Once the predicate mark is entered on TUT’s mainframe computer, ITS, marks cannot be modified.

2.5 MODERATION
External moderation of exam papers as well as marked scripts will be done in accordance to TUT policy.

2.6 PROMOTION REQUIREMENTS

The final mark is the average of the semester and the examination mark. To pass the course a student must
obtain a final mark of at least 50% and a sub-minimum of 40% in the examination.

3. COURSE CONTENT AND SCHEDULE OF TESTS AND ASSIGNMENTS

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This course comprises both a theory and application component. Your mastery of that theory is assessed at
regular intervals. More importantly, the application of theory is assessed through assignments/projects.

The following outline provides an overview of the content to be covered in this course and the ways in which
your progress will be assessed.

3.1 COURSE STRUCTURE, OUTCOMES AND ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Assessment Assessment
DURATION THEME Outcomes
criteria method

 Understand the 1. Measurement

Week 1-2 UNIT 1: Vocabulary used Importance of physical procedures
in Metrology quantities and associated
knowledge of their with various Test 1
 Quantities and Units units physical
 Value of a quantity  Discuss the various quantities will
measurement be determined
Sub Unit 1 (a): procedures
Measurements

 Metrology 2. Estimation of
 Principle of standard
measurement deviation of a
 Methods of given
measurements  Differentiate the experimental
 Measurement following terms in data will be
procedures measurement with determined
 Measurand examples: accuracy;
 Influence of quantity repeatability; and
 Measurement signal reproduceability.

Sub Unit 1 (b):

Measurement Results

 Results of a
measurement
 Corrected and
Uncorrected results
 Accuracy of a
measurement  Calculate standard
 Repeatability (of Results deviation of a given
of measurements) experimental data as an
 Reproduceability (of error estimate
results of
measurements)
 Experimental Standard  Analyse errors and
Deviation uncertainties in
 Uncertainty of measurements
Measurements

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  Error (of measurement)
- Deviation
- Random error
- Systematic error

 Correction
UNIT 2: Devices for
Week 3-4 Measurement  Explain by means of
diagram the three
Measuring Instruments: components/stages of
a measurement
instrument
 Components of
measuring Instruments
(gauges)  Explain with examples
 Material Measure other terminologies
applied to measuring
 Measuring Transducer instruments
 Measuring Chain
 Sensor
 Detector
 Gauging (of a
measuring instrument)
 Adjustment (of a
measuring instrument)
 User adjustment (of a
measuring instrument)
Measuring system
UNIT 3: Characteristics of
Week 5-6 measuring instrument

 Measuring range
 Discuss with examples
 Rated operating the different
Condition characteristics
 Limiting Condition applied to measuring
instruments
 Reference Conditions
 Response
characteristics  Differentiate
 Gauge R & R studies sensitivity and
resolution of a
 Sensitivity measuring instrument
 Stability
 Transparency
 Drift
 Discuss the
 Response Time relationship between
 Accuracy of a instrumental

PAGE 13 OF 19
 measuring instrument uncertainty and its
 Error (of indication) of calibration

a measuring
instrument
 Maximum permissible
errors (of a measuring
instrument)
 Limits of permissible
error (of a measuring
instrument)
 Intrinsic error (of a
measuring instrument)
 Bias (of a measuring
instrument)
 Freedom from bias
 Repeatability (of a
measuring instrument)

UNIT 4:
Week 7 Measuring Standards
 Explain with examples
the difference between
 (Measurement) international and
Standard Etalon national standards
 National
(measurement)
Standard
 Primary Standard
 Secondary Standard
 Reference Standard
 Working Standard
 Transfer Standard
 Traceability
 Calibration

Week 8-9 UNIT 5: Measurement in 1. Determining Lecture:

Practice  Analyze the various and Reporting Use videos
factors, like errors, Measurement to explain
 Improving data uncertainties and ISO Uncertainties the
guides that metrology is will be analyzed differences
quality
concerned with
between
 Determining and 1. Analysis type Resolution,
 Calculate type A
Reporting (Type A, Type Accuracy,
uncertainties using
Measurement B) will be
statistical formulas Precision,
Uncertainties

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  Bias, random error,
precision differentiated Calibration,
 Other sources of error Types A and
(e.g. environmental 2. Bias, random B
factors, stress error, precision Uncertainti
response) with regard to es of
 ISO Guide to the measurement measureme
Expression of taken will be
Uncertainty in nts.
described
Measurement (GUM)
Case studies
 Relevant aspects from 3. Other sources
probability theory of some
of error (e.g.
 Analysis type (Type A, metrology
Type B) environmental that
factors, stress highlights
response) will the above
be described stated
differences.
4. ISO Guide to
the Expression Do
of Uncertainty calculations
in on selected
Measurement problems.
(GUM) will be Group
applied discussions
on the
5. Standard
importance
deviation of a
of
given
successful
experimental
measureme
data will be
nts
determined

6. Case studies
involving the
following
measuring will
be analyzed:

Week 10-12 UNIT 6: Calibration and Understand the 1. Calibration and Written
Traceability of traceability of traceabulity of Test 1
measurements measurement through a measurements
calibration chain will be defined and
 Calibration Assignment
Describe the hierarchy of 2. Achieving
measuring units and traceability in
 Reference material standards
measurements
 Traceability

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Week 13-15 UNIT 7: Calibration of Manage the calibration of 1. ISO and Lecture: on
laboratory equipment laboratory equipment in QS9000, ANSI different
accordance to standards Z-540, ISO working
 ISO 17025 17025, standards,
 Calibration schedule, Malcolm checking
calibration procedures Baldrige standards;
and revision of
Internation
procedures, calibration 2. Calibration
certificates al
schedule, standards;
calibration Levels of
procedures and standard
revision of accuracies;
procedures, Accuracy
calibration ratio
certificates between
levels of
calibration
pyramid:
Requiremen
ts of
traceability
and
metrology
standardiza
tion
documents

Student: Do
assignment.

Written test
and
assignment

 Describe Detailed metrology of

*Week UNIT : Metrology of pressure gauges pressure and Lecture:
Temperature and and temperature will be Discuss
temperature analyzed. pressure
Pressure
sensors gauges and
 Gain knowledge
 different
about the
temperature
criteria for
laboratory sensors
accreditation in
pressure Written Test 2
metrology,

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 according to
SANAS. Student: Quiz.
Do calculations
on selected
problems.
Group
discussions on
metrology of
temperature
and pressure.

Assignment
will be given on
the topic.

*Please note that test dates may be moved on short notice where circumstances require such change. Also,
take particular note of the rules regarding tests and assignments in section B, 2.6

(List the topics or themes covered and remember to cross reference the learning outcomes.)

3.2 GENERIC OUTCOMES AND CRITICAL CROSS-FIELD OUTCOMES

Compliance with Critical cross-field Outcomes Compliance with Industrial Physics knowledge base

The knowledge gained in Metrology I would assist Physics is all about quantitative physical
you a great deal in Industrial Physics and your measurements and the skilled technician has now the
selected electives. needed knowledge in fundamental metrology
principles that can be applied in industrial setting.

4. GLOSSARY OF TERMS

The following technical terms are used in this course, and you should be familiar with these terms and their
meanings.

Criterion Definition

Accuracy is the degree of exactness which the final product corresponds to the measurement
standard.

Precision refers to the ability of a measurement to be consistently reproduced.

Reliability refers to the consistency of accurate results over consecutive measurements over time.

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Tracibility refers to the ongoing validations that the measurement of the final product conforms
to the original standard of measurement.

See others in the Learning Component themes.

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5. ASSESSMENT RECORDS

The following test is attached to serve as an example of the implementation of the assessment criteria and
assessment method, as listed in the table 3.1, and you should be familiar with this example to prepare and
orientate yourself of how the various assessment criteria are used and applied in the various assessment
methods.

EXAMPLE OF A SEMESTER TEST

Test

SUBJECT:

METROLOGY I

CODE: MTLH501

DURATION: 60 minutes

TOTAL MARKS: 50

FULL MARKS: 50

INSTRUCTIONS TO CANDIDATES

1. ANSWER ALL QUESTIONS.

2. PENCIL WORK WILL NOT BE MARKED.

NUMBER OF PAGES: 2

COURSES: EXAMINER:

Industrial Physics Dr. N. Thantsha

1. Develop a short definition (few sentences) for the term dimensional metrology. (3)

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2. What do you understand about quality control and quality assurance? (4)

3. List five common basic measurement devices that can be found in TUT physics
department laboratories. (5)

4. Distinguish between standards and standardization. (4)

5. Distinguish between primary and secondary reference standards, and give one example in
each. (6)

6. Describe precision, accuracy and uncertainty. (6)

7. List all steps of calculating uncertainty of multiple measurements. (3)

8. Consider the following measured data and use the steps in 6 to calculate the uncertainty.
Present your answer in the correct format (i.e. measurement = best estimate + uncertainty)
(10)

Measurement Measured value (V)

1 11.35
2 11.31
3 11.38
4 11.33
5 11.34
6 11.37
7 11.38

9. Distinguish gross error and systematic error. Also mention how systematic error can be
reduced. (6)

10. Give two types of microscopy and with the aid of a diagram, describe the formation and
the type of image formed by simple magnifier. (7)

11. List all fundamental components of scanning electron microscope and describe the
functions of only three of them. (12)

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6. APPENDICES

Attach any document here which is necessary for the student to know about or to have access to.

6.1 EXAMPLES OF MARK SHEETS USED DURING VARIOUS ASSESSMENTS DURING THE
COURSE.

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