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Module Catalogue

MA302-15 Electromagnetism

Department
Warwick Mathematics Institute
Level
Undergraduate Level 3
Module leader
Ferran Brosa Planella
Credit value
15
Module duration
10 weeks
Assessment
Multiple
Study location
University of Warwick main campus, Coventry

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Introductory description

Electromagnetism is one of the fundamental forces of the universe. This subject is not only a cornerstone of modern physics, but also plays a crucial role in our day-to-day lives, from enabling almost instantaneous communication across the world to explaining many natural phenomena. This module will cover the basic topics of electromagnetism to provide a core understanding of the subject.

Module aims

The main aims of this module are to:

  • Provide the student with the background necessary to understand basic electromagnetism concepts and Maxwell's equations.
  • Apply this knowledge to write and solve models for simple electromagnetism setups.
  • Highlight the connections of electromagnetism to practical applications in our day-to-day lives.

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

  1. Introduction: Introduction; Charge, Current and Conservation; Forces and Fields; Maxwell Equations.
  2. Electrostatics: Gauss' Law; Coulomb Law; Electrostatic Potential; Electrostatic Energy; Conductors.
  3. Magnetostatics: Ampere's Law; The Vector Potential; Magnetic Monopoles; Gauge Transformations; Biot-Savart Law; Magnetic Dipoles; Magnetic Forces.
  4. Electrodynamics: Faraday's Law of Induction; Inductance; Magnetostatic Energy; Resistance; Displacement Current; Light; Polarisation; Poynting Vector.

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

  • Define and derive Maxwell's equations.
  • Solve Maxwell's equations for simple electromagnetic setups.
  • Translate the basic concepts and equations of electromagnetism into physical intuition.

Interdisciplinary

Electromagnetism is a fundamental area of physics and engineering, but with a very strong mathematical foundation. This course will build on the students' mathematical background and demonstrate the connections between mathematics, physics and engineering.

Subject specific skills

  • Ability to state and understand Maxwell's equations.
  • Ability to solve differential equations related to electromagnetism.
  • Ability to apply concepts from vector calculus to electromagnetism, and to work with various coordinate systems.
  • Ability to apply concepts from complex analysis to electromagnetism.

Transferable skills

  • Mathematical modelling: ability to translate back and forth between mathematical ideas and physical applications.
  • Problem solving: ability to identify, analyse, and develop effective solutions to challenges encountered in various contexts.
  • Critical thinking: capacity to evaluate, analyse, and synthesise information; and make reasoned judgments based on this information.
  • Interdisciplinary understanding: ability to integrate and apply knowledge and methodologies from multiple academic fields.

Study time

Type Required
Lectures 30 sessions of 1 hour (20%)
Tutorials 9 sessions of 1 hour (6%)
Private study 71 hours (47%)
Assessment 40 hours (27%)
Total 150 hours

Private study description

The private study will include revising the material covered in the lectures and working through the exercises in the problem sheets. The exercises in the problem sheets will be classified (using a symbol at the beginning of the exercise) as basic, intermediate and advanced so students can focus their efforts.

Costs

No further costs have been identified for this module.

You do not need to pass all assessment components to pass the module.

Assessment group D
Weighting Study time Eligible for self-certification
Moodle quizzes 15% 20 hours No
Final exam 85% 20 hours No
  • Answerbook Gold (24 page)
Assessment group R
Weighting Study time Eligible for self-certification
Resit exam 100% No
  • Answerbook Gold (24 page)
Feedback on assessment

Exam feedback, and discussion of the Moodle quizzes in the support classes

Past exam papers for MA302

Courses

This module is Core option list A for:

  • UMAA-G100 Undergraduate Mathematics (BSc)
    • Year 3 of G100 Mathematics
    • Year 3 of G100 Mathematics
    • Year 3 of G100 Mathematics
  • UMAA-G103 Undergraduate Mathematics (MMath)
    • Year 3 of G100 Mathematics
    • Year 3 of G103 Mathematics (MMath)
    • Year 3 of G103 Mathematics (MMath)