Module Identifier PH02010  
Module Title INTRODUCTION TO OSCILLATIONS AND WAVES  
Academic Year 2000/2001  
Co-ordinator Mr Barry Henley  
Semester Semester 2  
Other staff Coleg Ceredigion Teaching Staf  
Pre-Requisite GCSE Mathermatics and Science or equivalent  
Co-Requisite None  
Mutually Exclusive Not available to students on 3 year BSc (hons) or 4 year MPhys Schemes  
Course delivery Lecture   20 Hours  
  Seminar   4 Hours  
  Tutorial   3 Hours  
Assessment Exam     80%  
  Continuous assessment   Tests Oscillations week 6 and Waves week 11   20%  

Brief description
This module aims to provide an understanding of simple oscillatory and wave motions. Emphasis is placed on developing problem-solving skills in these areas. The syllabus concentrates on simple harmonic motion and its application to physical systems. The discussion of waves covers simple mathematical treatment of wave propagation and effects. An introduction is given to wave phenomena including diffraction and interference.

Learning outcomes
After taking this module students should be able to:

Additional learning activities
None

Outline syllabus
Oscillations:

Periodic motion: period and frequency
Simple harmonic motion: velocity, acceleration
Examples of simple harmonic oscillators
Energy of simple harmonic oscillator
Qualitative ideas on damped oscillation, forced oscillation and resonance (if time allows)

Waves:

Definitions of wave parameters
Graphical and mathematical representations of waves
Superposition of waves, standing waves, Doppler effect, beats
Qualitative descriptions of reflection, refraction, dispersion, interference, diffraction and polarisation
Introduction to light waves including Young's two-slit experiment

Reading Lists
Books
** Recommended Text
M. Nelkon and P. Parker. Advanced Level Physics. Heinenamm Educational 0 435 686682