The course introduces students to the theoretical and mathematical frameworks to characterise, analyse and model ultrasonic propagation through, and interaction with, a given medium. Common propagation-related phenomena will be addressed with examples from both biomedical and industrial applications. The course material will be integrated with research seminars for illustrating relevance of the material an promoting an appreciation of the many different uses of ultrasonics from medical scans to electronics manufacture.  

Spread through semester:

20 hours of lecture (core material)

4 hours of tutorials

6 hours of research presentations (guest researchers on pertinent topics)

None

None

50% Written Exam

50% Report from a choice of topics

The aims of this course are to:

Provide students with the opportunity to gain knowledge and skills in the analysis of ultrasound as a mechanical wave and demonstrate the application of solutions to analyse ultrasound propagation through a range of media, studying phenomena including reflection and transmission at interfaces, scattering and interference, with reference to both biomedical and industrial applications.

By the end of this course students will be able to:

■ Formulate various representations of the acoustic wave equation and use solutions relevant to ultrasonic engineering.

■ Select experimental techniques for measuring, quantifying and analysing ultrasound and ultrasound related phenomena.

■ Demonstrate the application of solutions for analysis of wave phenomena, including reflection and transmission at interfaces, scattering and interference and highlight these phenomena with reference to research case-studies.

■ Evaluate the propagation of ultrasound in different media, according to the relevant material properties.

■ Assess ultrasound propagation effects, in terms of wave phenomena.

■ Apply mathematical solutions of the wave equation to analyse and model phenomena associated with ultrasound propagation.

■ Interpret experimental ultrasound measurement data, including in relation to propagation phenomena, and draw supported conclusions.

Students must submit at least 75% by weight of the components (including examinations) of the course's summative assessment.