Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2015-2016 (archived)
Module MATH3181: ELECTROMAGNETISM III
Department: Mathematical Sciences
MATH3181:
ELECTROMAGNETISM III
Type |
Open |
Level |
3 |
Credits |
20 |
Availability |
Available in 2015/16 |
Module Cap |
|
Location |
Durham
|
Prerequisites
- Analysis in Many Variables II (MATH2031) AND (Mathematical
Physics II (MATH2071) OR Foundations of Physics 2A
(PHYS2581)).
Corequisites
Excluded Combination of Modules
Aims
- To appreciate classical electromagnetism, one of the fundamental
physical theories.
- To develop and exercise mathematical methods.
Content
- Electrostatics: Coulomb's law and vector superposition of
forces due to different charges.
- Electric fields due to point charges and to volume and
surface distributions.
- Electric field E expressed in terms of electrostatic
potential.
- Differential equations for the electrostatic
field.
- Electric dipoles.
- Dielectric media and electrostatic
polarisation.
- Perfect conductors.
- Electrostatic energy.
- Steady magnetics: current density j and conservation of
charge, magnetic field B due to a current-carrying loop.
- Differential equations for B.
- Magnetic dipoles.
- Permeable media, magnetisation.
- Time-dependent fields and Maxwell's equations: Faraday's
law.
- Maxwell's equations with microscopic sources and in simple
media.
- Electromagnetic waves: Plane waves.
- Polarisation.
- Transmission and reflection at plane
boundaries.
- Special relativistic formulation of electromagnetism:
Maxwell's equations with microscopic sources expressed as tensor
equations in Minkowski spacetime.
Learning Outcomes
- By the end of the module students will: be able to solve
novel and/or complex problems in Electromagnetism.
- have a systematic and coherent understanding of theoretical
mathematics in the field of Electromagnetism.
- have acquired a coherent body of knowledge of these subjects
demonstrated through one or more of the following topic areas: General
features of electric and magnetic phenomena.
- charge and current densities and charge
conservation.
- Electrostatics.
- Time-dependent fields.
- In addition students will have specialised mathematical
skills in the following areas which can be used with minimal guidance:
modelling
Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to
the learning outcomes of the module
- Lectures demonstrate what is required to be learned and the
application of the theory to practical examples.
- Assignments for self-study develop problem-solving skills and
enable students to test and develop their knowledge and
understanding.
- Formatively assessed assignments provide practice in the
application of logic and high level of rigour as well as feedback for
the students and the lecturer on students' progress.
- The end-of-year examination assesses the knowledge acquired
and the ability to solve predictable and unpredictable
problems.
Teaching Methods and Learning Hours
Activity |
Number |
Frequency |
Duration |
Total/Hours |
|
Lectures |
40 |
2 per week for 19 weeks and 2 in term 3 |
1 Hour |
40 |
|
Problems Classes |
8 |
Four in each of terms 1 and 2 |
1 Hour |
8 |
|
Preparation and Reading |
|
|
|
152 |
|
Total |
|
|
|
200 |
|
Summative Assessment
Component: Examination |
Component Weighting: 100% |
Element |
Length / duration |
Element Weighting |
Resit Opportunity |
three hour written examination |
|
100% |
|
Four written assignments to be assessed and
returned. Other assignments are set for self-study and complete solutions
are made available to students.
■ Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University