The course gives an introduction to fundamental methods in acoustics, as a basis for basic research within acoustics and ultrasonics as well as for technological industrial applications. The course addresses vibrating bodies; standing waves in strings, membranes and bars; propagation of sound waves; sound sources and sound fields; transmission and reflection; sound absorption; acoustic resonators and waveguides; hearing; room acoustics; acoustic transducers; and underwater acoustics. The course gives a general introduction to acoustics / ultrasonics, with emphasis on physical principles. It forms basis for further studies in experimental and theoretical acoustics / ultrasonics, within a range of application areas (such as marine acoustics, medical ultrasound, petroleum acoustics, piezoelectric transducers, audio acoustics, etc.). The course can be of interest for students in related fields, such as optics and industrial instrumentation.

By completion of PHYS271 the student shall be able to

· explain key concepts, laws, relationships and approaches in acoustics,

· explain key physical principles of the generation and propagation of sound waves in fluids (gases and liquids),

· apply the fundamental physical laws and relationships to solve relatively simple problems in acoustics.