Course content

The course introduces the physics of oscillations and waves, including standing and traveling waves, interference, diffraction, reflection, refraction, and dispersion. Applications span mechanics, electromagnetism, and optics, with everyday examples from sound, light, and waves in fluids and solids. The course also introduces Fourier analysis as a powerful tool for studying oscillations and wave phenomena.

Learning outcome

After completing this course, you will be able to:

  • analyze harmonic oscillators, damped and driven systems, and understand their physical applications.

  • derive and solve wave equations for different physical systems (mechanical, electromagnetic, optical).

  • explain and analyze key wave interactions, including interference, diffraction, polarization, standing waves, and dispersion.

  • perform Fourier transform analysis.

  • present your results and reasoning clearly in written assignments and reports, with proper use of terms in mathematics and physics.

Admission to the course

Students who are admitted to study programmes at UiO must each semester register which courses and exams they wish to sign up for?in Studentweb.

Special admission requirements

In addition to fulfilling the?Higher Education Entrance Qualification, applicants have to meet the following special admission requirements:

  • Mathematics R1 (or Mathematics S1 and S2) + R2

And in addition one of these:

  • Physics (1+2)
  • Chemistry (1+2)
  • Biology (1+2)
  • Information technology (1+2)
  • Geosciences (1+2)
  • Technology and theories of research (1+2)

The special admission requirements may also be covered by?equivalent studies from Norwegian upper secondary school or by other equivalent studies?(in Norwegian).

Overlapping courses

  • 3 credits overlap with FYS111.

Teaching

Attendance at the first lecture and the first group session is mandatory. If you are unable to attend, the Department has to be informed in advance (e-mail studieinfo@fys.uio.no), or else you will lose your place in the course!

The course extends over a full semester with 9?hours of teaching per week:

  • 3 hours of lectures
  • 2 hours of group sessions
  • 4 hours of problem-solving?

The course comprises the following obligatory activities:

  • 6 compulsory assignments

Participation in group sessions throughout the semester (at least 70 %) can replace one compulsory assignment.?

Regulations for mandatory activities can be found here.

Examination

  • Final written exam, 4 hours, which counts 100 % towards?the final grade.

This course has mandatory exercises that must be approved before you can sit for the final?exam

Examination support material

  • 1 A4 sheet of paper with handwritten notes (both sides of the sheet)
  • Rottman: "Matematisk formelsamling"
  • ?grim og Lian eller Angell og Lian: "Fysiske st?rrelser og enheter"
  • Approved calculator

Language of examination

The examination text is given in Norwegian. You may submit your response in Norwegian, Swedish, Danish or English

Grading scale

Grades are awarded on a scale from A to F, where A is the best grade and F is a fail. Read more about the grading system.

Resit an examination

Students who can document a valid reason for absence from the regular examination are offered a?postponed exam?at the beginning of the next semester.

New examinations?are offered at the beginning of the next semester for students who do not successfully complete the exam during the previous semester.

We do not offer a re-scheduled exam for students who withdraw during the exam.

More about examinations at UiO

You will find further guides and resources at the web page on examinations at UiO.

Last updated from FS (Felles studentsystem) Nov. 25, 2025 3:39:26 AM

Facts about this course

Level
Bachelor
Credits
10
Teaching
Spring
Examination
Spring
Teaching language
Norwegian

Contact

Department of Physics