PHYS201-14S1 (C) Semester One 2014

Waves and Optics

15 points

Details:
Start Date: Monday, 24 February 2014
End Date: Sunday, 29 June 2014
Withdrawal Dates
Last Day to withdraw from this course:
  • Without financial penalty (full fee refund): Sunday, 9 March 2014
  • Without academic penalty (including no fee refund): Sunday, 25 May 2014

Description

Physics of wave oscillations and their applications in numerous different physical systems. The essential elements of optics are covered including an exposition of key modern developments.

In this course we study the physics of wave oscillations and their applications in numerous
different physical systems. The geometric theory of image formation is developed and applied
to various optical instruments. We will study interference and diffraction problems using
Fourier techniques. Its use in optical instruments such as diffraction grating spectrometers,
interferometers and lasers is highlighted.

Learning Outcomes

  • Goal of the Course
    The goal of this course is to provide thorough knowledge of the physics of wave oscillations,
    geometric and physical optics for students graduating with a physics major.

    Students will:
  • Have acquired an understanding of the importance of wave phenomena in the
    physical world.
  • Have mastered the mathematical formalism used to describe oscillatory systems.
  • Be able to solve imaging problems in geometric optics.
  • Be able to apply Fourier techniques to solve diffraction problems in physical optics
  • Be familiar with key modern developments in optics
  • Have developed and be able to demonstrate competency to solve appropriate
    physics problems in the concepts of the course. Have developed and be able to
    demonstrate writing and associated communication skills.

Prerequisites

(1) PHYS101; (2) MATH102 or EMTH118. These prerequisites may be replaced by a high level of achievement in level 3 NCEA Physics and Mathematics with Calculus or other background approved by the Head of Department. RP: (1) PHYS102; (2) MATH103 or EMTH119.

Restrictions

PHYS221

Recommended Preparation

(1) PHYS102; (2) MATH103 or EMTH119.

Course Coordinator / Lecturer

Jon-Paul Wells

Assessment

Assessment Due Date Percentage  Description
Final Exam 50%
Homework Assignments 20% There will be 9 Assigments, of which the best 8 will count. Handed in every Wednesday from week 2.
Term 2 Test 15% Thursday 22 May, 10:00 am (normal lecture time)
Term One Test 15% Thursday 27 March at 10:00am (normal lecture time)


Please note - the first test in this course has been moved to Thursday, 3 April , 10:00am in normal lecture time.

Textbooks / Resources

Required Texts

Pain, H. J; The physics of vibrations and waves ; 6th ed; John Wiley, 2005.

Recommended Reading

E. Hecht,; Optics ;

F. Smith, T. King, D. Wilkins,; Optics and Photonics ; John Wiley and Sons.

Main, Iain G; Vibrations and waves in physics ; 3rd ed.; Cambridge University Press, 1993.

Serway, Raymond A. , Jewett, John W; Physics for scientists and engineers with modern physics ; 7th ed; Thomson/Brooks/Cole, 2008.

Notes

Electronic copies of the detailed lecture notes will be available on the Learn system after
week two: http://learn.canterbury.ac.nz/

Late Work
Late work is not in general acceptable without a medical certificate.

General Physics and Astronomy Information
Please consult the document General Information for Physics and Astronomy Students on the
Physics and Astronomy Web Page:
http://www.phys.canterbury.ac.nz/courses/
specifically:
http://www.phys.canterbury.ac.nz/courses/general.pdf

Indicative Fees

Domestic fee $777.00

International fee $3,563.00

* All fees are inclusive of NZ GST or any equivalent overseas tax, and do not include any programme level discount or additional course-related expenses.

For further information see Physics and Astronomy .

All PHYS201 Occurrences

  • PHYS201-14S1 (C) Semester One 2014
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