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Department of Physics and Astronomy

Optics, Waves and Modern Physics (F3238)

Optics, Waves and Modern Physics

Module F3238

Module details for 2025/26.

15 credits

FHEQ Level 3 (sub-degree)

Module Outline

An introductory module covering:
- Waves and physical optics: Waves, interference and superposition, wave optics.
- Modern physics: The quantum world, the nature of the atom, nuclear physics.

Module learning outcomes

Have acquired a basic knowledge of physical optics including interference and diffraction, and be able to solve problems at the appropriate level which requires use of the knowledge.

Have acquired a sufficient grounding in the material of the course for subsequent core modules in physics which include physical optics.

Demonstrate a basic knowledge of non-classical atomic and nuclear physics.

Apply the appropriate laws of physics to problem solving in these areas.

TypeTimingWeighting
Unseen ExaminationSemester 2 Assessment80.00%
Coursework20.00%
Coursework components. Weighted as shown below.
Problem SetT2 Week 10 50.00%
Problem SetT2 Week 5 50.00%
Timing

Submission deadlines may vary for different types of assignment/groups of students.

Weighting

Coursework components (if listed) total 100% of the overall coursework weighting value.

TermMethodDurationWeek pattern
Spring SemesterLecture1 hour33333333333
Spring SemesterWorkshop1 hour11111111111

How to read the week pattern

The numbers indicate the weeks of the term and how many events take place each week.

Prof Christian Byrnes

Convenor
/profiles/168364

Dr Lily Asquith

Assess convenor, Convenor
/profiles/355525

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