SFY0029 : The Physics of Oscillations
- Offered for Year: 2024/25
- Module Leader(s): Dr Tiago Marinheiro
- Owning School: Mathematics, Statistics and Physics
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
Semesters
Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.
| Semester 2 Credit Value: | 10 |
| ECTS Credits: | 5.0 |
| European Credit Transfer System | |
Aims
To introduce the basic aspects of vibrations, waves and optical physics without a requirement for A level physics. The module includes practical work.
Outline Of Syllabus
Optical Physics :
Introduction: the electromagnetic spectrum, colour, black-body radiation, polarization, waves rays and photons.
Reflection and refraction at plane surfaces: law of reflection, Snell’s law, refractive index, critical angle, total internal reflection, optical fibres, prisms, dispersion, spectroscopic instruments.
Reflection/refraction at curved surfaces: imaging with spherical mirrors and thin lenses, magnification, determination of focal length. Ray tracing. Use of the formula 1/u + 1/v = 1/f with sign convention. Combination of thin lenses.
Optical Instruments: camera, the eye, the telescope, the microscope, effect of lens aberrations and diffraction on performance
Vibrations and Waves :
Periodic motion: amplitude, period, frequency, phase, Hooke’s law, simple harmonic motion, motion of a pendulum, forced and damped vibrations, general periodic motion: velocity, amplitude and acceleration.
Wave motion: transverse and longitudinal waves, wavelength, frequency, velocity, amplitude, reflection of a wave, superposition of waves, standing waves, nodes, beat frequencies, diffraction, interference, coherence.
Sound: the production of sound, relative speed of sound in solids liquids and gases, Intensity of sound, decibel units,
Frequency response of the ear, pitch, harmonics, resonance in air columns and strings, Doppler effect, ultrasound and its applications.
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Structured Guided Learning | Lecture materials | 11 | 1:00 | 11:00 | Pre-recorded lecture material introduces learners to syllabus content |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 2 | 4:00 | 8:00 | 2 in-course assessments each requiring 2 hour prep and 2 completion time |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 11 | 1:00 | 11:00 | In person lecture |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 11:00 | 11:00 | Final exam 2 Hours Preparation & Revision 9 hours |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 1 | 11:00 | 11:00 | In person Lecture/problem solving class/Drop In session |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Practical | 3 | 3:00 | 9:00 | Laboratory practical |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 1 | 39:00 | 39:00 | Independent study to be undertaken across the semester |
| Total | 100:00 |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
The lecture materials, lectures and notes provide all the knowledge-based requirements of the course. In addition the different modes of delivery ( Online videos, Lectures and Problem solving sessions) allows the material to be covered several times and reinforced through different methods. Pedagogically this should result in better understanding and increased retention.
The problem solving classes will help with general problem solving and to solidify their mathematical skills.
The practical part will link the lecture material with real life applications and provides an opportunity for the students to develop laboratory skills.
Assessment Methods
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Exams
| Description | Length | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Written Examination | 120 | 2 | A | 70 | Final Exam |
Other Assessment
| Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Practical/lab report | 2 | M | 8 | assessed by a worksheet which must be completed within the lab. |
| Practical/lab report | 2 | M | 8 | assessed by a worksheet which must be completed within the lab. |
| Prob solv exercises | 2 | M | 7 | Small in-course assessment. Contains 5-10 questions. |
| Prob solv exercises | 2 | M | 7 | Small in-course assessment. Contains 5-10 questions. |
Formative Assessments
Formative Assessment is an assessment which develops your skills in being assessed, allows for you to receive feedback, and prepares you for being assessed. However, it does not count to your final mark.
| Description | Semester | When Set | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Practical/lab report | 2 | M | Assessed in lab |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
The module is intended to provide a factual knowledge base and prepare students for the rigors of a stage 1 programme. A formal written examination is most appropriate in this case. In addition, The format of the examination will enable students to reliably demonstrate their own knowledge, understanding and application of learning outcomes.
The in course exercises allow the students to develop their problem solving techniques, to practise the methods learnt in the module, to assess their progress and to receive feedback; these assessments have a secondary formative purpose as well as their primary summative purpose.
The practical sessions require an assessment to ensure that students engage positively with the tasks, and that the practical skill component of the intended skill outcomes is assessed.
Reading Lists
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- SFY0029's Timetable