This course builds on the ideas of harmonic motion to cover in depth the concept of waves in physics with particular emphasis on light waves as an example. The foundation of the course is Fourier theory, which will then be used to understand dispersion of waves, image formation in optics and diffraction and other aspects of Fourier optics. The course will finish with some introductory fluid dynamics.
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 models of dispersive waves and wave motion. 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:
- Appreciate the efficacy of Fourier transforms and their application to physical systems.
- Understand linear, time-invariant systems.
- Understand the role of the wave equation and appreciate the universal nature of wave motion in a range of physical systems
- Understand dispersion in waves and model dispersion using Fourier theory.
- Understand diffraction and imaging in terms of Fourier optics and gain physical and intuitive insight in a range of physics via the spatial Fourier Transform.
- Understand optical phenomena such as polarisation, birefringence, interference and diffraction in terms of the wave model.
- Understand the foundations of fluid dynamics.
- 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:
- Examination 50% (LO 1-8)
- Assignments 50% (LO1-8).
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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
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 |
|---|---|
| 2019 | $3840 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2019 | $5460 |
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.