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PHY-20061 - Module Specification
School of Chemical and Physical Sciences
Faculty of Natural Sciences

For academic year: 2026/27 Last Updated: 17 March 2026

PHY-20061 - Optics and Thermodynamics
Coordinator: Joana Maria Oliveira Room: LJ1.48 Tel: +44 1782 7 33493
Lecture Time: See Timetable...
Level: Level 5
Credits: 15
Study Hours: 150
School Office: 01782 734921

Programme/Approved Electives for 2026/27

None

Available as a Free Standing Elective

No

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

None

Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2026/27

The way light and matter interact happens on minute scales but results in macroscopic effects that can be described by global behavioural laws. In this module, you will learn about optics and thermodynamics, including how light waves interfere and diffract and how systems achieve equilibrium. These fundamental concepts underpin a vast range of phenomena beyond the topics of this module, and have a variety of real-word applications, from engines and the weather to optical fibers and the most powerful telescopes.

Aims
This module aims to develop a comprehensive understanding of the theoretical background of geometrical optics, physical optics and thermodynamics, and its applications to solve real world practical problems.

Intended Learning Outcomes

explain the theoretical background of geometrical optics, physical optics and thermodynamics;: 1,2
apply appropriate concepts to describe and explain real world manifestations of optics and thermodynamics;: 1,2
use a range of established mathematical and numerical techniques to solve new problems in the context of these disciplines.: 1,2

Study hours

Active Learning Hours:
24 hours of lectures;
24 hours physics practicals.
Independent Study Hours:
2.5 hours examination;
24 hours assessed problem sheets;
75.5 hours of examination revision and private study.


School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment

1: Exam weighted 70%
Unseen written examination
A 2.5-hour exam worth 100 marks consisting of compulsory short and long questions with some degree of choice.

2: Problem Sheets weighted 30%
Problem-solving worksheets and activities
a selection of in-class and independent-study tasks and worksheets to be completed at specific times during the academic year, pertaining to the material covered until that point. Equivalent to ~ 2000 words combined

The University undertakes a continuous review of its teaching and research provision to ensure programmes are of a high quality and changes may be made to modules where it is necessary and reasonable to do so. Please be aware that minor changes to modules, such as a change to an individual assessment, can occur up until enrolment, although we endeavour to give you as much notice as possible of any changes. 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/legalgovernancecompliance/governance/actcharterstatutesordinancesandregulations/studenttermsconditions/

Last Updated: 17 March 2026