Africa Virtual University - AVU

• Online
• Blended mode online and face to face
• Face-to-face

1. Rationale
The current module is part of a teacher training program. It will enable the learners to understand what they see (rainbows, mirages…), comprehend how to improve vision (eyeglasses, a magnifying glass, a microscope, a telescope…).

To possess knowledge about vibratory or oscillatory movement relative to a common notion: waves. This module explains the fact that it is impossible to obtain a very narrow ray of light simply by decreasing the diameter of the exit point.

2. Prerequisite or Knowledge

To follow this module, the learner must master the following concepts:  trigonometric equations, first order equation resolution with a single unknown variable, the concept of mirror images.

• The fundamental principles of dynamics (vectorial representation of a force, graphical representation using a coordinates system).
• General theorems (of kinetic energy, angular momentum).
• The following energy-related definitions: kinetic, potential, stored in a capacitor, in a coil, mechanical or electrical.
• Ohm’s Law (study of electronic oscillators).
• The mesh or loop rule applied to an electrical circuit.
• The potential difference at the terminals of a coil, a resistor and a capacitor.
• Resolution of the following differential equations: second order, linear, with constant coefficients, with or without a second variable.
• Sinusoidal movements;
• Complex representation of a sinusoidal magnitude with respect to time.
• Fresnel vectors.
• Partial derivative equations.

3. General Objectives

The learner must be able to :

• Understand polarisation,
• Understand the functioning of optical systems,
• Understand oscillatory movement;
• Understand characteristic wave elements ;
• Understand wave superposition ;
• Understand the elaboration of a simple question ;

• In a team, elaborate en experiment about reflection using a mirror, paper and needles;
• Find the image of a real object using a converging lens ;
• Converse with colleagues by chatting online.