Red X iconGreen tick iconYellow tick icon

    Overview

    A general introduction to the physics of wave motion with applications to various physical systems. The principle of superposition, interference and diffraction, boundary and continuity conditions, Fourier series and transforms.

    About this paper

    Paper title Waves in Physical Systems
    Subject Physics
    EFTS 0.1500
    Points 18 points
    Teaching period Semester 1 (On campus)
    Domestic Tuition Fees ( NZD ) $1,173.30
    International Tuition Fees Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website.
    Prerequisite
    (MATH 130 or MATH 140) and (36 200-level PHSI points or (18 200-level PHSI points and 18 200-level MATH points))
    Recommended Preparation
    MATH 140
    Schedule C
    Science
    Contact

    tim.molteno@otago.ac.nz

    Teaching staff

    Dr Tim Molteno
    Associate Professor Colin Fox

    Textbooks

    Tim Freegarde: Introduction to the Physics of Waves (Cambridge University Press).

    Graduate Attributes Emphasised
    Lifelong learning, Scholarship, Communication, Critical thinking, Information literacy, Self-motivation, Teamwork.
    View more information about Otago's graduate attributes.
    Learning Outcomes
    • Apply fundamental mathematical concepts to analyse wave motion in a various physical system
    • Qualitatively describe interference and diffraction effects using the Huygens wavefront principle. Quantitatively evaluate interference and diffraction patterns
    • Utilise appropriate boundary and continuity conditions to solve simple problems of reflection and transmission at interfaces between different media
    • Understand the representation of waves in frequency space. Use Fourier series to transform between time and frequency domains to extract physical information
    • Identify physical systems where wave motion can occur. Formulate and solve an appropriate wave equation
    • Present written, logical, and clear solutions to problems in wave motion

    Timetable

    Semester 1

    Location
    Dunedin
    Teaching method
    This paper is taught On Campus
    Learning management system
    Blackboard

    Lecture

    Stream Days Times Weeks
    Attend
    A1 Monday 13:00-13:50 9-13, 15-22
    Thursday 13:00-13:50 9-13, 15-16, 18-22
    Friday 13:00-13:50 9-12, 15-22

    Tutorial

    Stream Days Times Weeks
    Attend
    A1 Tuesday 10:00-10:50 9-13, 15-22

    Workshop

    Stream Days Times Weeks
    Attend
    A1 Friday 14:00-15:50 9-12, 15-22
    Back to top