BSc/MEnvSci Environmental Science with an Integrated Foundation Year

An introduction to simple harmonic oscillations, waves, atomic and nuclear Physics  

The aim is to introduce students to simple harmonic oscillations, waves, electromagnetic radiation, wave-particle duality, atomic and nuclear Physics.

By the end of this course unit a student will be able to: 

• Explain and mathematically describe simple harmonic motion.
• Classify different types of waves.
• Mathematically describe and analyse 1-dimensional travelling waves.
• Mathematically and qualitatively describe standing waves and harmonics.
• Describe wave propagation in two and three dimensions.
• Explain and predict wave interactions with objects and interfaces.
• Analyse diffraction and interference phenomena.
• Explain and apply basic quantum models of light and matter.
• Describe blackbody radiation and its significance. 
• Explain fundamental concepts in atomic and nuclear physics.

 

 

Workshop

Drop-in/office hour

Key concept videos in VLE

Course text in VLE

Online quizzes and practice questions in VLE

Online discussion board in VLE  

​​​​​Explain and mathematically describe simple harmonic motion.

Classify different types of waves.

Mathematically describe and analyse 1-dimensional travelling waves.

Mathematically and qualitatively describe standing waves and harmonics.

Describe wave propagation in two and three dimensions.

Explain and predict wave interactions with objects and interfaces.

Analyse diffraction and interference phenomena.

Explain and apply basic quantum models of light and matter.

Describe blackbody radiation and its significance.

Explain fundamental concepts in atomic and nuclear physics.
 

Analyse and interpret data in diagrammatic, graphical, numerical, symbolic and verbal form.

Adapt knowledge to novel and unfamiliar situations.  

Choose appropriate equations and apply them to solve problems, select and use appropriate mathematical methods to perform calculations and make reasonable estimates and assumptions when required. 

Use online, physics-based apps and simulations. 

Import mathematical knowledge and skills into the study of physics.  

Use fundamental physical laws and principles in the analysis of real-world events.

Use estimation for error-checking. 

• ​​​​​​Formative feedback will be given during lectures, tutorials and drop-in sessions. Targeted feedback will be given following coursework assessments. Summative and formative feedback will be given following assessments, including the final exam (exam script viewing is encouraged).

 

ADAMS, S., & ALLDAY, J. 2000. Advanced Physics. Oxford University Press, Oxford.

AKRILL, T., BENNETT, G., & MILLAR, C. 2000. Practice in Physics (3rd ed.). Hodder & Stoughton Educational, London.

BIRD, J. 2005. Basic Engineering Mathematics [online book].  

CUTNELL, J., & JOHNSON, K. 2005. Essentials of physics Hoboken, N.J.

JOHNSON, K., et al. 2000. Advanced physics for you. Nelson Thornes, Cheltenham.  

MUNCASTER, R. 1993. A-level physics (4th ed.). Stanley Thornes, Cheltenham.

POPLE, S. 1998. Advanced physics through diagrams. Oxford University Press, Oxford. 

 

Tuition fees for home students commencing their studies in September 2027 will be £10,050 per annum. Tuition fees for international students will be £29,200 per annum.

For general information please see the undergraduate finance pages.

All students should normally be able to complete their programme of study without incurring additional study costs over and above the tuition fee for that programme. Any unavoidable additional compulsory costs totalling more than 1% of the annual home undergraduate fee per annum, regardless of whether the programme in question is undergraduate or postgraduate taught, will be made clear to you at the point of application. Further information can be found in the University's Policy on additional costs incurred by students on undergraduate and postgraduate taught programmes (PDF document, 91KB).

The Foundation Year Bursary  is available to UK students who are registered on an undergraduate foundation year here and who has had a full financial assessment carried out by Student Finance.

Details of country-specific funding available to international students can be found within our  International country profiles .

The University of Manchester is committed to attracting and supporting the very best students. We have a focus on nurturing talent and ability, therefore, we want to make sure that you have the opportunity to study here, regardless of your financial circumstances.

For information about scholarships please visit our  undergraduate student finance pages  and the Department funding pages that you intend to progress to after successfully completing the Foundation Year.