Junior Lab is a two semester sequence in experimental physics offered by the MIT Department of Physics — usually taken by third-year physics majors — focusing on the professional and personal development of the student as a scientist through the medium of experimental physics. 8.13 is the first semester of the sequence. It is an "advanced lab" course in modern physics, which includes special relativity, experimental foundations of quantum mechanics, atomic structure and optics, statistical mechanics, and nuclear and particle physics. 8.13's heavy emphasis on professional development as a scientist includes laboratory technique and modern physics, but focuses more directly on skills such as oral and written communication methods, the troubleshooting process, professional scientific attitude, data analysis, and reasoning about uncertainty.