Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2024-2025

Module MATH2657: SPECIAL RELATIVITY AND ELECTROMAGNETISM II

Department: Mathematical Sciences

MATH2657: SPECIAL RELATIVITY AND ELECTROMAGNETISM II

Type	Open	Level	2	Credits	10	Availability	Available in 2024/2025	Module Cap		Location	Durham

Prerequisites

Calculus I (Maths Hons) (MATH1081) or Calculus I (MATH1061) and Linear Algebra I (Maths Hons) (MATH1091) or Linear Algebra I (MATH1071)

Corequisites

Analysis in Many Variables II (MATH2031)

Excluded Combination of Modules

None

Aims

To appreciate the conceptual and mathematical structure of Special Relativity. To appreciate classical electromagnetism as an example of a relativistic theory.

Content

Electro- and magnetostatics
Time-dependent Fields and Maxwell's Equations
Inertial Frames
Relativistic formulation of Maxwell's Equations
Spacetime and systems of free particles

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:

By the end of the module students will: be able to solve a range of predictable and unpredictable problems in the given topics.
Have an awareness of the abstract concepts of theoretical mathematics in the field of the given topics.
Have a knowledge and understanding of the major theories of these subjects demonstrated through one or more of the following topic areas: electro- and magnetostatics, time-dependent fields and Maxwell's equations, inertial frames, relativistic formulation of Maxwell's equations, spacetime and systems of free particles.

Subject-specific Skills:

In addition students will have the ability to undertake and defend the use of alternative mathematical skills in the following areas with minimal guidance: Modelling.

Key Skills:

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

Lecturing demonstrates what is required to be learned and the application of the theory to practical examples.
Weekly/Fortnightly homework problems provide formative assessment to guide students in the correct development of their knowledge and skills.
Tutorials provide active engagement and feedback to the learning process.
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	22	2 per week in Epiphany and in first week of Easter	1 Hour	22
Tutorials	5	Fortnightly in Epiphany and one in Easter	1 Hour	5	■
Problems Classes	4	Fortnightly in Epiphany	1 Hour	4
Preparation and Reading				69
Total				100

Summative Assessment

Component: Examination		Component Weighting: 100%
Element	Length / duration	Element Weighting	Resit Opportunity
End of year written examination	2 hours	100%	Yes

Formative Assessment:

Fortnightly or Weekly written assignments.

■ 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