Waves and Mechanics module (PH12005)

This module explores the forces and vibrations that shape the physical world - from how bridges hold their shape to how sound travels through the air, . If you’ve ever watched a guitar string vibrate or wondered how boats float, you've already been thinking about mechanics and waves. 

You’ll start by learning how objects stay balanced and what happens when forces act on them. You’ll explore elasticity and how different materials bend, stretch, or break. From there, you'll move into fluid mechanics: how liquids flow, what causes lift, and why pressure changes underwater or in the air.

You'll also explore vibrations, from pendulums to spring systems. You'll discover how those ideas help explain everything from sound waves to the Doppler effect. 

This module gives you the tools to understand the movement of matter, the behaviour of fluids, and the energy carried by waves. It is ideal for physics and engineering students who want to build a strong foundation in the real-world applications of classical physics. 

What you will learn 

In this module, you will: 

• explore how forces create balance and how materials respond under stress
• learn how fluids behave, including buoyancy, pressure, and flow
• study how waves travel, reflect, interfere, and carry energy
• discover the physics of sound, resonance, beats, and the Doppler effect 

By the end of this module, you will be able to: 

• solve problems involving equilibrium, elasticity, and fluid flow
• explain how mechanical and sound waves behave in different systems
• use mathematical tools to describe wave motion and vibrations 

Assignments / assessment

• Coursework (50%)
• Final exam, 2 hours (50%) 

Teaching methods / timetable

• Lectures
  • In-person classes covering core concepts with worked examples
• Workshops
  • Focused problem-solving sessions to apply what you’ve learned