Physics and Astronomy |
|
Physics Home | Study here | Our Teaching | Our Research | Our Centres | News | Work here | EMPS |
Back to top
PHY1106 Waves and Oscillators2007-2008Code: PHY1106Title: Waves and Oscillators Instructors: Dr P. Vukusic CATS credits: 10 ECTS credits: 5 Availability: unrestricted Level: 1 Pre-requisites: N/A Co-requisites: N/A Background Assumed: AS level Physics or equivalent Duration: Semester II Directed Study Time: 22 lectures Private Study Time: 66 hours Assessment Tasks Time: 12 hours Observation report: 2000/01 PV (AU) AimsThe concept of wave propagation permeates the whole of physics with many examples arising from many different physical phenomena; complete books have been written about acoustic waves, electromagnetic waves and de Broglie waves. Even so, there are common underlying principles which make it possible to understand many apparently unrelated systems. The primary aim of the module is to identify and make use of these concepts at an elementary level and also to introduce a wide range of physical phenomena as examples. The module starts by considering the characteristic parameters of a forced, damped harmonic oscillator, and relates them to the characteristic parameters of wave propagation. Later stages discuss the propagation and reflection of waves, using waves on a stretched string as the model system. Longitudinal waves in solids, sound waves in gases, and waves in periodic structures are also discussed, the last of these being the key to much of solid-state physics. The concepts introduced in this module will be developed later in the programme, e.g. in electromagnetism (PHY3143), quantum mechanics (PHY2002) and solid-state physics (PHY2009). Intended Learning OutcomesStudents will be able to:
Transferable SkillsStudents will be expected to take notes in lectures and then refine them later giving them skills efficient summarising of material. They will be expected to manage their time so that they completed weekly homework assignments. Learning and Teaching MethodsLectures, worksheet assignments, tutorials and problems classes; on-line teaching resources for AU's sections, and PV's sections. Additional problems will be given during lectures (and discussed in subsequent lectures) for homework. AssignmentsPreparation for problems classes. Ten homework problem sheets. AssessmentProblems-class assignments (10%), two mid-semester tests (40%) and one 90-minute examination (50%). Syllabus Plan and Content
Core Text(2000), University Physics (with Modern Physics) (10th edition), Addison-Wesley, ISBN 0-201-60336-5 (UL: 530 YOU)Supplementary Text(s)(2005), The Physics of Vibrations and Waves (6th edition), Wiley, ISBN 0-470-01296-X (UL: 531.32 PAI)Formative MechanismsStudents can monitor progress through their homework marks, mid-semester tests and tutorial work. Evaluation MechanismsThe module will be evaluated using information gathered via the student representation mechanisms, the staff peer appraisal scheme, and measures of student attainment based on summative assessment. |