Unit information: Classical Physics II: Electromagnetism and Waves in 2021/22

Unit name	Classical Physics II: Electromagnetism and Waves
Unit code	PHYS20020
Credit points	10
Level of study	I/5
Teaching block(s)	Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24)
Unit director	Professor. Flaecher
Open unit status	Not open
Pre-requisites	PHYS10005, PHYS10006 or equivalent.
Co-requisites	Classical Physics I: Thermal Physics, Oscillations and Mechanics
School/department	School of Physics
Faculty	Faculty of Science

Description including Unit Aims

Classical Physics comprises much of the core of physics, built on the foundations developed in the 17th to 19th centuries and underpinning all of ‘modern’ physics. This unit builds on the foundations from level C/4 in the areas of electromagnetic fields and waves. Maxwell's equations in vacuo and in simple solids form the basis of a discussion of fields, forces and energy for general charge and current configurations. Wave solutions of Maxwell’s equations are studied, relating the electromagnetic and optical properties of materials. General wave phenomena including interference and diffraction are investigated, along with practical applications of these effects.

Aims:

• to introduce students to a core of classical physics including electromagnetic fields and waves, wave interference and diffraction.

Intended Learning Outcomes

Students will:

• gain an appreciation of the broad thrust of classical physics and its wide applicability
• know Maxwell's equations. Be able to deduce from them the equations relevant to simple electrostatic cases and be able to solve problems in these cases
• be able to calculate the magnetic field from currents flowing in simple geometries
• understand the macroscopic descriptions of fields in conductors, dielectric materials and magnetic materials
• understand the description and properties of plane electromagnetic waves, in vacuum and in materials
• understand reflection and transmission of waves at interfaces
• explain features of the behaviour of fields in materials in terms of semi-classical microscopic models
• be familiar with the phenomena of interference and diffraction, and the principles of operation and practical uses of common types of interferometer.

Teaching Information

The unit will be taught through a combination of

• asynchronous online materials, including narrated presentations and worked examples
• synchronous group problems classes, workshops, tutorials and/or office hours
• asynchronous directed individual formative exercises and other exercises
• guided, structured reading

Assessment Information

Written timed, open-note examination (80%)

Coursework (20%)

Resources

If this unit has a Resource List, you will normally find a link to it in the Blackboard area for the unit. Sometimes there will be a separate link for each weekly topic.

If you are unable to access a list through Blackboard, you can also find it via the Resource Lists homepage. Search for the list by the unit name or code (e.g. PHYS20020).

How much time the unit requires
Each credit equates to 10 hours of total student input. For example a 20 credit unit will take you 200 hours of study to complete. Your total learning time is made up of contact time, directed learning tasks, independent learning and assessment activity.

See the Faculty workload statement relating to this unit for more information.

Assessment
The Board of Examiners will consider all cases where students have failed or not completed the assessments required for credit. The Board considers each student's outcomes across all the units which contribute to each year's programme of study. If you have self-certificated your absence from an assessment, you will normally be required to complete it the next time it runs (this is usually in the next assessment period).
The Board of Examiners will take into account any extenuating circumstances and operates within the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.