The course begins with harmonic motion and shows how simple models of single and coupled oscillators can be used to find useful descriptions of many physical systems.  Wave motion is then covered and expanded into a discussion of electromagnetic radiation and optical systems.  We cover aspects of optics including polarisation, interference, interferometry, lasers and Fourier optics.  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.    Complimenting 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.

On satisfying the requirements of this course, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

1. Understand systems of single and multiple harmonic oscillators and appreciate the role of driving, damping and coupling of harmonic systems.
2. 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.
3. Understand the role of the wave equation and appreciate the universal nature of wave motion in a range of physical systems.
4. Understand optical phenomena such as polarisation, birefringence, interference and diffraction in terms of the wave model.
5. 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.
6. Through the lab course, understand the principles of measurement and error analysis and develop skills in experimental design.

Assessment will be based on:

• Four assignments  (20%; LO 1-5)
• Laboratory work (30%; LO 6)
• Final exam (50%; LO 1-5)

Approximately twenty-four lectures, up to twelve tutorials and twenty-four hours of laboratory work, plus individual study.

with PHYS2017