Explore UCD

UCD Home >

ACM20060

Academic Year 2025/2026

Oscillations and Waves (ACM20060)

Subject:
Applied & Computational Maths
College:
Science
School:
Mathematics & Statistics
Level:
2 (Intermediate)
Credits:
5
Module Coordinator:
Assoc Professor Edward Cox
Trimester:
Spring
Mode of Delivery:
On Campus
Internship Module:
No
How will I be graded?
Letter grades

Curricular information is subject to change.

Waves and oscillations are present in the modelling of many physical systems. An understanding is gained using a variety of physical examples including mechanical oscillators, waves on a string, acoustic waves, surface water waves and electromagnetic waves. Key mathematical techniques include Laplace transforms, normal mode analysis, Fourier analysis, Fourier transforms, method of characteristics.

Content will include topics drawn from : simple harmonic oscillators, coupled oscillators, transverse standing waves, Longitudinal standing waves, sound waves in a gas, Fourier analysis, travelling waves, energy conservation, transmission lines, reflection and transmission at boundaries, wave pulses, Fourier transforms, dispersive waves, surface waves in water. Nonlinear kinematic waves, traffic flow.

About this Module

Learning Outcomes:

This course will develop skills in applied mathematics. Students learn to formulate model differential equations arising in physical and biological sciences Students will use a variety of mathematical methods - Normal modes, Fourier series, Fourier Transforms, method of characteristics to solve these model equations. Students will develop skills in relating mathematical analysis to an understanding of the original problem.

Student Effort Hours:
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

36
Tutorial

12
Specified Learning Activities

24
Autonomous Student Learning

40
Total

112

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
Lectures, tutorials, enquiry and problem-based learning.

Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations
Learning Recommendations:

ACM 10060 Intro to Appl & Com Mathematic and ACM 10070 Math Modelling in the Sciences


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 

Assessment Strategy
Description Timing Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade In Module Component Repeat Offered
Quizzes/Short Exercises: One in-class test Week 8 Standard conversion grade scale 40% No
20
 No
Exam (In-person): Final Exam End of trimester
Duration:
2 hr(s)
 Standard conversion grade scale 40% No
70
 No
Participation in Learning Activities: Engagement with tutorial material Week 1, Week 2, Week 3, Week 4, Week 5, Week 6, Week 7, Week 8, Week 9, Week 10, Week 11, Week 12 Other No
10
 No

Carry forward of passed components
No
 

Resit In Terminal Exam
Autumn Yes - 2 Hour
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 

Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment
• Group/class feedback, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Not yet recorded.

Name Role
Jakob Neef Tutor

Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
Spring Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33 Mon 14:00 - 14:50
Spring Tutorial Offering 1 Week(s) - 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33 Thurs 12:00 - 12:50
Spring Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33 Tues 13:00 - 13:50
Spring Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 20, 21, 22, 23, 26 Wed 14:00 - 14:50
Spring Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 24, 25, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33 Wed 14:00 - 14:50
Print this page
Fill in the following details:
Enter the body of your query here.

From time to time UCD would like to send you further information that we feel, based on your enquiry, would be of interest to you.