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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: 21 December 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

In this module, you will study the physical principles and mathematical description of oscillatory and wave phenomena, which find application in many areas of classical and modern physics and astrophysics. For this you will require a firm grasp of the material covered in Level 4 Mechanics, and it sets the stage for the treatment of more advanced topics in optics, and electromagnetism at Levels 5 and 6. As part of the mathematics component, you will study fundamental techniques routinely used and practiced in physics.

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
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: 1,3

Study hours

Lectures: 34.5 hours
Maths tutorials: 10 hours
Examination: 2.5 hours
Maths Class Tests: 2 hours (2x1h)
Directed Reading/Independent Study: 83 hours Problem Sheets: 18 hours

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment

1: Exam weighted 40%
Unseen written examination


2: Class Test weighted 40%
Class Test


3: Problem Sheets weighted 20%
Problem sheets


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: 21 December 2024