- UCAS course code
- F305
- UCAS institution code
- M20
Master of Physics (MPhys)
MPhys Physics
Join a physics Department of international renown that offers great choice and flexibility, leading to master's qualification.
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Duration: 4 years
Year of entry: 2025
UCAS course code: F305 / Institution code: M20
- Key features:
Scholarships available
Accredited course
- Typical A-level offer: A*A*A including specific subjects
- Typical contextual A-level offer: A*AA including specific subjects
- Refugee/care-experienced offer: AAA including specific subjects
- Typical International Baccalaureate offer: 38 points overall with 7,7,6 at HL, including specific requirements
Fees and funding
Fees
Tuition fees for home students commencing their studies in September 2025 will be £9,535 per annum (subject to Parliamentary approval). Tuition fees for international students will be £36,500 per annum. For general information please see the undergraduate finance pages.
Policy on additional costs
All students should normally be able to complete their programme of study without incurring additional study costs over and above the tuition fee for that programme. Any unavoidable additional compulsory costs totalling more than 1% of the annual home undergraduate fee per annum, regardless of whether the programme in question is undergraduate or postgraduate taught, will be made clear to you at the point of application. Further information can be found in the University's Policy on additional costs incurred by students on undergraduate and postgraduate taught programmes (PDF document, 91KB).
Scholarships/sponsorships
The University of Manchester is committed to attracting and supporting the very best students. We have a focus on nurturing talent and ability and we want to make sure that you have the opportunity to study here, regardless of your financial circumstances.
For information about scholarships and bursaries please visit our undergraduate student finance pages and our Department funding pages .
Course unit details:
Electrodynamics (M)
| Unit code | PHYS30441 |
|---|---|
| Credit rating | 10 |
| Unit level | Level 3 |
| Teaching period(s) | Semester 1 |
| Available as a free choice unit? | No |
Overview
Electrodynamics (M)
Pre/co-requisites
| Unit title | Unit code | Requirement type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electromagnetism | PHYS20141 | Pre-Requisite | Compulsory |
| Lagrangian Dynamics | PHYS20401 | Pre-Requisite | Recommended |
For recommneded theory units following this module please see PHYS40202, PHYS40481, PHYS40771 and PHYS40682.
Aims
To cover theoretical aspects of electromagnetic fields and radiation.
Learning outcomes
On completion successful students will be able to
1. use scalar and vector potentials and explain the concept of gauge invariance;
2. demonstrate the compatibility of electrodynamics and special relativity;
3. use Lorentz covariant formalism (scarlars, 4-vectors and tenors) in the context of electrodynamics and special relativity;
4. solve Poisson's equation and the inhomogenous wave equation;
5. distinguish between radiation fields and other electromagnetic fields;
6. calculate the radiated power produced by accelerating charges.
Syllabus
1. Electromagnetic Field Equations (7 lectures)
Maxwell's equations and wave solutions. Definition of scalar and vector potentials. Electro- and magnetostatics and Poisson’s equation; multipole expansions. Electrodynamics in Lorentz Gauge; the inhomogeneous wave equation and the retarded time.
2. Electromagnetism and Relativity (7 lectures)
Covariant and contravariant formalism of Lorentz transformations; Scalars, four vectors and tensors; relativistic dynamics. Consistency of Maxwell's equations and relativity. Electromagnetic field tensor and electrodynamics in covariant form.
3. Accelerating Charges (6 lectures)
Lienard-Wiechert potentials; Power radiated from an arbitrarily moving charge. Larmor’s power formula; Lorentz transformations applied to radiated power; synchrotron radiation and; bremsstrahlung.
4. Harmonically Varying Sources (2 lectures)
Multipole radiation: electric (Hertzian) and magnetic dipole radiation; slow-down of pulsars. Rayleigh and Thomson scattering.
Assessment methods
| Method | Weight |
|---|---|
| Written exam | 100% |
Feedback methods
Feedback will be offered by examples class tutors based on examples sheets, and model answers will be issued. Some optional sessions will provide extra problem solving opportunities and cover a few interesting “extra-curricular” topics.
Recommended reading
Recommended texts:
Griffiths, D.J., Introduction to Electrodynamics, (Cambridge University Press, 4th edition, 2017)
Heald, M.A. & Marion, J.B., Classical Electromagnetic Radiation, (Academic Press,
3rd Edition, 1995)
Supplementary reading:
Jackson, J.D., Classical Electrodynamics, (John Wiley & Sons, 3rd edition, 1999)
Feynman, R.P., The Feynman Lectures on Physics, Vol II (Addison Wesley, 1964)
Zangwill, A., Modern Electrodynamics (Cambridge University Press, 2013)
Rybicki, G.B. & Lightman, A.P., Radiative Processes in Astrophysics (John Wiley & Sons, 1979)
Schwartz, M., Principles of Electrodynamics, (Dover Publications, 1972)
Study hours
| Scheduled activity hours | |
|---|---|
| Assessment written exam | 1.5 |
| Lectures | 22 |
| Independent study hours | |
|---|---|
| Independent study | 76.5 |
Teaching staff
| Staff member | Role |
|---|---|
| Terence Wyatt | Unit coordinator |