Materials that Shine

Course manual 2025/2026

Course content

Sound, light, quantum mechanics, electrical and magnetic phenomena: waves are everywhere in nature. Understanding the propagation of waves and their interaction with the world around us is essential when dealing with a variety of sensors, microscopes and electrical circuits.

We start with the mathematics of wave propagation by studying the equation of motion for a simple harmonic oscillator. This leads to the discussion of sound waves, electromagnetic waves (light) and eventually the wave-particle duality of quantum mechanics. You will learn to recognize wave motion in different contexts and how interference between waves influences the flow of fluids, light and quantum information. 

Study materials

Literature

• D. Giancoli

Syllabus

• Will be made available during the course

Objectives

• The student recognizes the wave equation in different contexts.
• The student can solve the harmonic oscillator problem from the equation of motion.
• The student can explain the formation of constructive and destructive interference in different contexts.
• The student recognizes the 1 dimensional electromagnetic wave equation and the Schrödinger wave equation.
• The student can solve simple problems related to Heisenberg's uncertainty relation.
• The student can solve the problem of a quantum particle in a box.
• The student can explain the discrete nature of energy solutions of the hydrogen atom.
• The student can apply their knowledge of waves in a project .

Teaching methods

• Lecture
• Computer lab session/practical training
• Seminar

Learning activities

Assessment

The students’ understanding of the course material will be assessed through short on-site tutorial quizzes and two main partial exams.For each lecture, a short quiz assignment will be given during the following tutorial session. This assignment must be completed and submitted within the allotted time during the tutorial. The date of the next tutorial quiz will be announced during each lecture.

These on-site tutorial quizzes will be graded on a pass/fail basis and will not receive a numerical score. Students must pass at least 5quiz assignments to receive 1 point toward the final grade. If fewer than five assignments are passed, no points will be awarded for the assignment component of the course grade.

 Knowledge of the course material will also be assessed through two partial exams. The exact content and scope of these exams will be announced on Canvas.

Each partial exam will be graded on a scale from 0 to 100. Each exam must be passed individually with a minimum score of 55. Each exam contributes up to 4.5 points toward the final course grade (i.e., a score of 100 corresponds to 4.5 points).

The final grade will be calculated as:

Final grade = (Grade partial exam 1 × 4.5 / 100) + (Grade partial exam 2 × 4.5 / 100) + 1 (if at least five tutorial quizzes are passed)

The overall passing grade for the course is 5.5.

Inspection of assessed work

Feedback on the tutorial quizzes will be given in the next tutorial sessions. The example solutions of the tutorial quizzes will be uploaded on Canvas. The solution of the partial exams will be communicated through ANS and the grades will be published on Canvas. Separate time (max 1 hr) would be allocated after each exam score announcement for further clarifications on grading and assessment. The intended meeting time will be announced in Canvas.

Assignments

Each lecture will be accompanied by a homework assignment. Assignments must be completed individually. Although submission is not mandatory, students are strongly encouraged to complete and submit the assignments to support their understanding of the material and to prepare for the exam.

Feedback and clarification of common doubts or mistakes will be provided during the tutorial sessions. Students are encouraged to work on the assignments both during these tutorial sessions and independently at home. Solutions will be made available on Canvas one week after the assignment is distributed.

Fraud and plagiarism

The 'Regulations governing fraud and plagiarism for UvA students' applies to this course. This will be monitored carefully. Upon suspicion of fraud or plagiarism the Examinations Board of the programme will be informed. For the 'Regulations governing fraud and plagiarism for UvA students' see: www.student.uva.nl

Course structure

Additional information

The course content, assignment and information will be disseminated through Canvas.

Contact information

Coordinator

• dr. Angana Mondal

Coordinator / Lecturer (For lecture and exam assessments)

Teaching assistants (for assignment clarification)