Last modified: 22 Aug 2024 16:46
Understanding oscillatory and wavelike behaviour is of huge importance in comprehending how our natural world works. It seems that everything in nature has its own cycle, rhythm or oscillation. From planets revolving around the sun to waves on the sea, even fundamental particles are treated as waves in modern physics. Accessible to students with some knowledge of calculus, this course will explain the mathematics of this fascinating and important subject. Methods of solving the differential equations that describe waves and oscillatory phenomena will be explored, including numerical techniques.
Study Type | Undergraduate | Level | 2 |
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Term | First Term | Credit Points | 15 credits (7.5 ECTS credits) |
Campus | Aberdeen | Sustained Study | No |
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This course is an introduction to physical phenomena that depend on time, with emphasis on oscillatory and wave-like behaviour. The concept of a second order linear system will be used to unify the treatment of mechanical and electrical phenomena, and to introduce simple harmonic oscillators, damped oscillators, and resonance. Wave motion will be used to introduce the ideas behind Fourier transforms. Matlab software will be introduced as a means to learn basic techniques for scientific programming and of find numerical solutions for differential equations.
Information on contact teaching time is available from the course guide.
Assessment Type | Summative | Weighting | 60 | |
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1.5 hour exam |
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Assessment Type | Summative | Weighting | 20 | |
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Programming Project |
Knowledge Level | Thinking Skill | Outcome |
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Assessment Type | Summative | Weighting | 20 | |
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There are no assessments for this course.
Assessment Type | Summative | Weighting | ||
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Factual | Remember | ILO’s for this course are available in the course guide. |
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