Course unit details:
Electrodynamics (M)

Course unit fact file
Unit code PHYS30441
Credit rating 10
Unit level Level 3
Teaching period(s) Semester 1
Offered by Department of Physics & Astronomy
Available as a free choice unit? No

Overview

Electromagnetic Radiation (M)

Pre/co-requisites

Unit title Unit code Requirement type Description
Electromagnetism PHYS20141 Pre-Requisite Compulsory

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.    Revision and Preparation for More Advanced Material (6 lectures and optional pre-recorded revision videos)

2.    Special Relativity and Electrodynamics in Covariant Notation                            (8 lectures)

3.    Radiation from Accelerating Charges                                                                    (6 lectures)

4.    Harmonically Varying Sources                                                                                (2 lectures).

 

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

Introduction to ElectrodynamicsDavid J. GriffithsCambridge University Press2023
Classical electrodynamicsJackson, John David,Wiley1999
Classical electromagnetic radiationMarion, Jerry B.Academic Press1980
The Feynman lectures on physics : mainly electromagnetism and matterFeynman, Richard Phillips.Addison-Wesley1964
Scheduled activity hours
Assessment written exam 2
Lectures 22
Independent study hours
Independent study 76

Teaching staff

Staff member Role
Terence Wyatt Unit coordinator

Fees and funding

Fees

Tuition fees for home students commencing their studies in September 2027 will be £10,050 per annum. Tuition fees for international students will be £40,300 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

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For information about scholarships and bursaries please visit our undergraduate student finance pages and our Department funding pages .

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