Waves and Fields (F3215)

15 credits, Level 4

Spring teaching

This module introduces you to oscillations and wave phenomena across physics, such as:

  • interference
  • diffraction
  • dispersion
  • the emergence of geometric optics.

It also explores electromagnetic forces and phenomena, and introduces the concepts of the electric and magnetic fields. 

Teaching

75%: Lecture
25%: Practical (Workshop)

Assessment

20%: Coursework (Problem set)
80%: Examination (Unseen examination)

Contact hours and workload

This module is approximately 150 hours of work. This breaks down into about 44 hours of contact time and about 106 hours of independent study. The University may make minor variations to the contact hours for operational reasons, including timetabling requirements.

We regularly review our modules to incorporate student feedback, staff expertise, as well as the latest research and teaching methodology. We’re planning to run these modules in the academic year 2025/26. However, there may be changes to these modules in response to feedback, staff availability, student demand or updates to our curriculum.

We’ll make sure to let you know of any material changes to modules at the earliest opportunity.

Courses

This module is offered on the following courses: