Module Catalogue 2024/25

Pre Requisite Comment

N/A

Co Requisite Comment

N/A

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.

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

At the end of this module students will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the elementary physics associated with:
• Optics,
•       periodic motion,
•       wave motion,
•       interference of waves.

Intended Skill Outcomes

The students will develop skills across the cognitive domain (Bloom's taxonomy, 2001 revised edition): remember, understand, apply, analyse, evaluate and create.

At the end of this module students will be able to communicate effectively the scientific content of the module contributes to the written communications skills of the student. The scientific problem solving element enhances general problem solving skills and initiative.

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 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.

General Notes

N/A