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.
| Paper title | Waves in Physical Systems |
|---|---|
| Paper code | PHSI343 |
| Subject | Physics |
| EFTS | 0.1500 |
| Points | 18 points |
| Teaching period | Semester 1 (On campus) |
| Domestic Tuition Fees (NZD) | $1,141.35 |
| International Tuition Fees | Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website. |
- Prerequisite
- (MATH 160 or MATH 170) and (36 200-level PHSI points or (18 200-level PHSI points and 18 200-level MATH points))
- Recommended Preparation
- MATH 170
- Schedule C
- Science
- Contact
- Teaching staff
- 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.
- Utilize 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.
