2017/18 Undergraduate Module Catalogue
PHYS1250 Vibrations and Waves (Geophysics)
10 creditsClass Size: 40
Module manager: Dr Alison Voice
Email: a.m.voice@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2017/18
Pre-requisite qualifications
A level Physics and Mathematics (or equivalent).This module is mutually exclusive with
| PHYS1210 | Physics 2- Properties of Matter |
| PHYS1280 | Vibrations and Thermal Physics (Joint Honours) |
This module is approved as a discovery module
Module summary
Vibrations and waves are ubiquitous phenomena, occurring in widely different physical systems, from molecules to musical instruments to tectonic plates. Nevertheless, they can be described by a common mathematical approach.Pre-requisite qualifications: A level Physics and Mathematics (or equivalent).Objectives
At the end of this module you should be able to:- describe harmonic vibrations using mathematical formulae
- calculate the properties of vibrating systems
- describe the properties of waves and predict their motion
- derive and utilise the wave equation
- derive and utilise the laws of reflection and refraction
- perform simple calculations on basic optical instruments
- describe and differentiate between diffraction and interference of light.
Learning outcomes
Demonstrate a basic knowledge of common physical laws and principles, and some applications of these principles.
Identify relevant principles and laws when dealing with problems.
Skills outcomes
Problem solving in waves and vibrations
Syllabus
- Geometrical optics: Ray approximation, reflection, refraction, spherical mirrors, lenses, images, combining optical components.
- Oscillators: Simple, damped, driven, coupled.
- Waves on a string: Wave equation; travelling, standing & harmonic waves; superposition; wave power, dispersion.
- Sound: Pressure waves, organ pipes, beats, Doppler effect, shockwaves.
- Wave nature of light: Electromagnetic waves, interference, diffraction, Optical cavities, Fermat's principle, Huygens's principle.
Teaching methods
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
| Lecture | 22 | 1.00 | 22.00 |
| Tutorial | 14 | 1.00 | 14.00 |
| Private study hours | 67.00 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 36.00 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 103.00 | ||
Private study
- Reading lecture notes and books- Solving problems.
Opportunities for Formative Feedback
Marked weekly problem sheets, in weeks 2 to 10.Methods of assessment
Coursework
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
| Problem Sheet | Weekly | 15.00 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 15.00 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
Exams
| Exam type | Exam duration | % of formal assessment |
| Standard exam (closed essays, MCQs etc) | 1 hr 30 mins | 85.00 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Exams) | 85.00 | |
Same as PHYS1210
Reading list
The reading list is available from the Library websiteLast updated: 19/03/2018
Browse Other Catalogues
- Undergraduate module catalogue
- Taught Postgraduate module catalogue
- Undergraduate programme catalogue
- Taught Postgraduate programme catalogue
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