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PHY-20027 - Module Specification
School of Chemical and Physical Sciences
Faculty of Natural Sciences

For academic year: 2024/25 Last Updated: 21 November 2024

PHY-20027 - 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 2024/25

None

Available as a Free Standing Elective

No

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

Registration on level 2 of a degree programme in physics or astrophysics

Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2024/25

This module explores the theory and applications of the key topics in Geometrical & Physical Optics and Thermodynamics.
Thermodynamics topics include thermodynamic equilibrium, heat capacity, the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Laws, heat engines, entropy, thermodynamic potentials and phase transitions.
Optics topics include refractive surfaces, thin lenses and simple optical systems, interference, diffraction and polarisation.
There is also a laboratory component, which is aimed at enhancing experimental and communication skills.

Aims
This module aims to develop a comprehensive understanding of the theoretical and experimental background of geometrical optics, physical optics and thermodynamics.
By applying established techniques for the critical analysis of numerical calculations it aims to develop problem solving and experimental skills in these topics.
It also further develops practical skills in the execution and reporting of laboratory experiments.

Talis Aspire Reading List
Any reading lists will be provided by the start of the course.
http://lists.lib.keele.ac.uk/modules/phy-20027/lists

Intended Learning Outcomes

comprehensively understand of the relevant theoretical and experimental background of geometrical optics, physical optics and thermodynamics.
: 1,2
use a range of established techniques for critical analysis of numerical calculations in connection with problems in geometrical optics, physical optics and thermodynamics.
: 1,2
extended their abilities in the execution and reporting of laboratory work within the context of either physics or astrophysics.
: 3

Study hours

Active Learning Hours:
24 hours of lectures.
12 hours problem classes.
24.5 hours of laboratory work.
2.5 hours examination
Independent Study Hours:
63 hours of examination revision and private study
24 hours laboratory reports and problem sheets.

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment

1: Exam weighted 60%
Unseen written examination


2: Problem Sheets weighted 20%
Assessed Problem Sheets


3: Laboratory Report weighted 20%
Laboratory Work


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 November 2024