MPhys Physics with Theoretical Physics

Year of entry: 2027

Course unit details:
Electricity & Magnetism

Course unit fact file
Unit code PHYS10342
Credit rating 10
Unit level Level 1
Teaching period(s) Semester 2
Offered by Department of Physics & Astronomy
Available as a free choice unit? No

Overview

Electricity and Magnetism

Pre/co-requisites

Unit title Unit code Requirement type Description
Mathematics 1 PHYS10071 Pre-Requisite Compulsory

Pre-requisites:

Mathematics 1 PHYS10071 OR Introduction to Vector Calculus MATH11411

Aims

To develop a basic understanding of electric and magnetic fields in free space using the integral forms of Maxwell’s laws.

Learning outcomes

On successful completion, a student will be able to:

  • Calculate electrostatic properties of simple charge distributions using Coulomb’s Law, Gauss’ Law and electric potential.
  • Describe the electric field and potential, and related concepts, for stationary charges.
  • Describe electromagnetic induction and related concepts, and make calculations using Faraday and Lenz’s Laws.
  • Calculate magnetic properties of simple current distributions using Biot-Savart and Ampère’s Laws.
  • Describe the magnetic field for steady currents and moving charges.
  • Describe the basic physical content of Maxwell’s Laws in integral form.
     

Syllabus

Introduction

  • Forces in nature; 
  • electric charge and its properties; 
  • vectors, fields, flux and circulation.

Electric Fields and Stationary Charges

  • Coulomb’s law and superposition; 
  • electric field and potential; 
  • capacitance; 
  • electric dipoles; 
  • energy in electric fields.

Magnetic Fields and Steady Currents

  • Magnetic fields; 
  • Lorentz force; 
  • Biot-Savart and Ampère’s laws; 
  • magnetic dipoles.

Electrodynamics

  • Electromotive force; 
  • electromagnetic induction; 
  • Faraday and Lenz’s laws; 
  • inductance; 
  • energy in magnetic fields.

Maxwell’s Equations

  • Maxwell’s fix of Ampère’s law;
  • Maxwell’s equations in integral form.

Teaching and learning methods

Assessment - Exam

Tutorial

Practical

Assessment - Revision/Preparation

Lecture

Independent Study

Assessment methods

Method Weight
Other 10%
Written exam 90%

* 10% Tutorial Work/attendance 

Feedback methods

Feedback will be given by tutors on students’ written solutions to examples sheets and model answers will be issued.

Recommended reading

Reading lists are managed by ºÚÁÏÍø³Ô¹Ï±¬ÁÏ Library's .

Study hours

Scheduled activity hours
Assessment written exam 1.5
Lectures 24
Practical classes & workshops 12
Tutorials 6
Independent study hours
Independent study 56.5

Teaching staff

Staff member Role
Keith Grainge Unit coordinator

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