Introduction to Wave Phenomena in Nature (2025/2026: periode 3)

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Cursusdoel

After completing this course students are able to:
  1. describe the different types of wave phenomena in mechanics, electromagnetism and in gravity (space-time), as well as the properties of the medium that supports them;
  2. calculate the propagation of a wave and its reflection and transmission at the boundary between two media;
  3. solve simple problems involving wave phenomena such as dispersion, refraction, the Doppler effect and polarisation, and give examples of them from daily experiences;
  4. explain and calculate the patterns (visual or auditive) produced by the interference and diffraction of waves;
  5. describe practical applications of wave phenomena, such as, in instruments for precision measurements, visualisation of, otherwise, not-visible environments, i.e. the interior of human body and underground structures, as well as topography and astronomy;
  6. explain how wave phenomena were central to gather information about the temperature and chemical composition of distant stars, and the expansion of our universe;
  7. describe the evolution of stars that end up as a white dwarf, neutron star or black hole, and explain how gravitational waves are produced in a merger of two compact stars;
  8. explain the large scale structure of the universe and how it related to the anisotropies in the cosmic microwave background.
Description of assignment Assesses course aims:
Mid-term exam
Assignments
Essay
Final exam		 1, 2, 3
1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8
5, 6, 7
4, 6, 7, 8

Vakinhoudelijk

The course is offered in two formats, standard with code UCSCIPHY13, and enhanced with code UCSCIPHY14. The enhanced course format is compulsory for Physics Double Degree students.
The main difference is in learning goal 5, which is either assessed through an essay (PHY13) or through a more extensive and in-depth excersises portfolio (PHY14).

In this course you are introduced to several types of wave phenomena in nature. Three main types of waves are studied: mechanical waves (as in air, fluids and solids), electromagnetic waves (as in light and radio waves), and gravitational waves (space-time). Waves of several types are used in many scanning devises used in medicine and earth sciences for instance, and most of the technology in telecommunications common in our households uses electromagnetic waves.

Several properties and phenomena associated with waves (such as longitudinal and transverse wave modes, polarisation, dispersion, reflection, transmission and interference) are studied during the first two-thirds of this course and several applications are discussed. In the final third, you are introduced to astronomy and learn about how the information transmitted by waves coming from galactic (in the Milky Way) and extra-galactic sources, made it possible to build up knowledge about the vast universe we live in.

Format
The course consists of four weekly contact hours, over 15 weeks, which are equally divided between interactive lectures and problem solving tutorial sessions.

For each lecture and tutorial you have to read and work through assigned material. This includes completing assignments from the teaching and learning platform MasteringPhysics, and explore the properties of waves by using virtual simulations of wave phenomena (https://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulations/category/physics). With this approach more time is used during class on discussing and understanding the subtleties of physical concepts necessary for concept-based problem solving, and less time is given to simple lecturer-to-students transfer of knowledge and ideas. When relevant the discussions are carried out in the context of real applications. Outside the four class hours a week, students are expected to study 10 hours a week on average on this course.

Werkvormen

UCU SCI 1 course

Toetsing

Essay

Verplicht | Weging 20% | ECTS 1,5

Assignments

Verplicht | Weging 15% | ECTS 1,13

*midterm FEEDBACK*

Niet verplicht

Mid-term exam

Verplicht | Weging 30% | ECTS 2,25

Final exam

Verplicht | Weging 35% | ECTS 2,63

Ingangseisen en voorkennis

Ingangseisen

Er is geen informatie over verplichte ingangseisen bekend.

Voorkennis

Secondary school knowledge of physics and mathematics is required. For physics this requires an IB Higher Level Physics, VWO “Natuurkunde”, or similar courses in physics from a foreign secondary school. For mathematics this requires IB Higher Level Maths, Dutch VWO “Wiskunde B”, or similar “Calculus and Algebra” courses from a foreign secondary school. If one or both of these requirements is not satisfied the students should request course admittance.

Voertalen

  • Engels

Competenties

  • Academisch schrijven
  • Kritisch lezen

Cursusmomenten

Gerelateerde studies

Tentamens

Er is geen tentamenrooster beschikbaar voor deze cursus

Verplicht materiaal

  • BOEK
    Hugh D. Young and Roger A. Freedman, University Physics with Modern Physics, with Mastering Physics, 15th Global Edition. ISNB: 9781292314952* *this ISBN contains the specific course materials selected by your instructor at a premium discount.
  • DIVERSE
    The book includes an access code to MasteringPhysics
  • DIVERSE
    Lecture notes on astronomy

Aanbevolen materiaal

Er is geen informatie over de aanbevolen literatuur bekend

Opmerkingen

Two formats are offered: UCSCIPHY13, and for DDLP students UCSCIPHY14. Pre-registration for both courses in UCSCIPHY13.

Coördinator

dr. A.E.M. van de Ven A.E.M.vandeVen@uu.nl

Docenten

prof. dr. P. van der Straten p.vanderstraten@uu.nl
dr. A.E.M. van de Ven A.E.M.vandeVen@uu.nl

Inschrijving

Let op: deze cursus is niet toegankelijk voor studenten van andere faculteiten, bijvakkers mogen zich dus niet inschrijven.

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