This course covers aspects of physics that can all be described through an understanding of oscillations and waves. We start with a description of harmonic motion and learn how simple models of single and coupled oscillators can be used to find useful descriptions of many physical systems. We also introduce the Lagrangian as a tool for finding equations that can model complicated mechanical systems. Coupled oscillations are generalised into waves and we will discuss the abundance of waves in physics. Fourier theory is then introduced. This powerful concept allows the treatment of vibrations and waves in the frequency domain, in turn allowing analysis of complicated systems of waves where the behaviour may depend of the frequency of the wave. In this way we discover wave dispersion and its applications. Finally, particular attention is paid to light waves. We cover aspects of optics including polarisation, interference, interferometry and diffraction. The course material is supported throughout by examples taken from recent research on mechanical systems, nano-optics, atomic physics, biological systems and laser physics. Computer models provide an opportunity to explore various concepts presented in lectures, including coupled linear oscillators and chaotic dynamics in driven non-linear oscillators. Complementing the lectures, this course contains a laboratory component. Some experiments are essentially qualitative and support lecture material, while others allow development of important skills in quantitative experimental physics.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
On satisfying the requirements of this course, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- Understand systems of single and multiple harmonic oscillators and appreciate the role of driving, damping and coupling of harmonic systems.
- Identify systems that can be understood using simple models of harmonic oscillation and thereby understand a range of physical systems with a single unified model.
- Understand the role of the wave equation and appreciate the universal nature of wave motion in a range of physical systems.
- Understand optical phenomena such as polarisation, birefringence, interference and diffraction in terms of the wave model.
- Understand a diffraction and imaging in terms of Fourier optics and gain physical and intuitive insight in a range of physics via the spatial Fourier Transform.
- Through the lab course, understand the principles of measurement and error analysis and develop skills in experimental design.
Indicative Assessment
Assessment will be based on:
- Four assignments (20%; LO 1-5)
- Laboratory work (30%; LO 6)
- Final exam (50%; LO 1-5)
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Workload
Approximately twenty-four lectures, up to twelve tutorials and twenty-four hours of laboratory work, plus individual study.
Requisite and Incompatibility
Majors
Minors
Specialisations
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
If you are a domestic graduate coursework or international student you will be required to pay tuition fees. Tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 2
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are an undergraduate student and have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). You can find your student contribution amount for each course at Fees. Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Course fees
- Domestic fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2015 | $3096 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2015 | $4146 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.
Class summaries, if available, can be accessed by clicking on the View link for the relevant class number.
Second Semester
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1706 | 20 Jul 2015 | 07 Aug 2015 | 31 Aug 2015 | 30 Oct 2015 | In Person | N/A |
