MPhys Physics with Theoretical Physics / Course details
Year of entry: 2027
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Course unit details:
Electricity & Magnetism
| 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 |
