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PHY-10020 - Module Specification
School of Chemical and Physical Sciences
Faculty of Natural Sciences

For academic year: 2024/25 Last Updated: 24 April 2024

PHY-10020 - Oscillations and Waves
Coordinator: Daniela Plana Room: LJ1.46 Tel: +44 1782 7 34998
Lecture Time: See Timetable...
Level: Level 4
Credits: 15
Study Hours: 150
School Office: 01782 734921

Programme/Approved Electives for 2024/25

None

Available as a Free Standing Elective

No

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

None

Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2024/25

This Level 4 module runs in the second semester. It explores the physical principles and mathematical description of oscillatory and wave phenomena, which find application in many areas of classical and modern physics and astrophysics. The module requires a firm grasp of material covered in Level 4 Mechanics, and it sets the stage for the treatment of more advanced topics in optics, quantum mechanics, and electromagnetism at Levels 5 and 6. A mathematics component is included, in which fundamental techniques routinely used in physics are taught and practised. There is also a laboratory component, which involves bench work, computing and communication exercises.

Aims
To introduce and develop the basic concepts of oscillation and wave theory, which underpin many topics in physics, and the mathematics necessary to achieve this understanding. To develop the transferable, problem solving, mathematical and analytical skills those are required by the practicing physicist or astrophysicist.

Talis Aspire Reading List
Any reading lists will be provided by the start of the course.
http://lists.lib.keele.ac.uk/modules/phy-10020/lists

Intended Learning Outcomes

Solve the equations of motion for simple harmonic, damped, and forced oscillators. Formulate these equations and understand their physical content in a variety of applications: 1,2,3
Solve first- and second-order linear differential equations. Use these and other mathematics techniques, including series and approximations, to solve physical problems. Use complex numbers and partial differentiation in physics applications: 1,2,3
1,3
Understand the mathematical description of travelling and standing waves. Recognize the one-dimensional classical wave equation and solutions to it. Understand the principle of superposition and its relevance to physical phenomena such as standing waves, interference, and diffraction:

Study hours

Lectures: 24 hours
Maths lectures: 10 hours
Maths tutorials: 8 hours
Examination: 2 hours
Maths Class Test/Unseen Exam: 2 hour
Directed Reading/Independent Study: 86 hours Problem Sheets: 18 hours

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment

1: Unseen Exam weighted 40%
2-hour unseen written examination
2-hour (100 marks) exam with a degree of choice

2: Class Test weighted 40%
Class Test
Two 1-hour unseen Mathematics examinations

3: Problem Sheets weighted 20%
Problem sheets
Students complete a number of problem sheets. Equivalent to ~1000 words.

Please note that for the 2022/23 Academic Year programmes may be adapted to operate in accordance with a flexible, digital approach. This means that there may be some changes made to how modules are delivered and assessed. The latest information will be provided to you by your School in module handbooks. We endeavour to give you as much notice as possible of any changes and details about the circumstance in which changes are made to programmes can be found in the Student Agreement, available at: https://www.keele.ac.uk/student-terms-and-conditions/

Last Updated: 24 April 2024