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MTH417Sciences3 Unitsintermediate

Electromagnetic Theory

This course delves into the principles of electromagnetic theory, building upon foundational knowledge to provide a deeper understanding of electromagnetism. It revisits key concepts from an advanced perspective, strengthening comprehension of the principles underlying scientific and technological research. Topics include Maxwell's equations, electromagnetic waves, energy transport, momentum, and the Lorentz transformation. The course aims to correlate theoretical foundations with practical applications, enhancing understanding of electromagnetism's influence in everyday life.

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120h
Study Time
13
Weeks
9h
Per Week
advanced
Math Level
Course Keywords
Maxwell's EquationsElectromagnetic WavesLorentz ForcePoynting TheoremRefraction

Course Overview

Everything you need to know about this course

Course Difficulty

Intermediate Level
Builds on foundational knowledge
65%
intermediate
∑
Math Level
Advanced Math
📖
Learning Type
Theoretical Focus

Course Topics

Key areas covered in this course

1

Maxwell's Equations

2

Lorentz Force Law

3

Electromagnetic Wave Equation

4

Transverse Waves

5

Reflection and Refraction

6

Poynting's Theorem

7

Lorentz Transformation

8

Radiation from Extended Sources

Total Topics8 topics

Requirements

Knowledge and skills recommended for success

Basic Electromagnetism

Calculus

Differential Equations

💡 Don't have all requirements? Don't worry! Many students successfully complete this course with basic preparation and dedication.

Assessment Methods

How your progress will be evaluated (2 methods)

tutor-marked assignments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

final examination

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

Career Opportunities

Explore the career paths this course opens up for you

Telecommunications Engineer

Apply your skills in this growing field

Antenna Designer

Apply your skills in this growing field

Radar Systems Engineer

Apply your skills in this growing field

Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) Specialist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Research Scientist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Industry Applications

Real-world sectors where you can apply your knowledge

TelecommunicationsAerospaceMedical ImagingDefenseRenewable Energy

Study Schedule Beta

A structured 13-week journey through the course content

Week
1

Module 1: Introduction to Maxwell's Equations

3h

Unit 1: Introduction to Maxwell's Equations

3 study hours
  • •Review the four Maxwell's equations and their significance.
  • •Understand the relationship between electric and magnetic fields.
  • •Practice applying the Lorentz force law to solve problems.
Week
2

Module 1: Introduction to Maxwell's Equations

3h

Unit 2: Maxwell's Equations

3 study hours
  • •Analyze each of Maxwell's equations in detail.
  • •Work with the differential form of Maxwell's equations.
  • •Distinguish between rotation-free and source-free vector fields.
Week
3

Module 2: Electromagnetic Waves

3h

Unit 1: Electromagnetic Wave Equation and Theory of Light

3 study hours
  • •Establish the relationship between electromagnetic waves and light.
  • •State the wave equation for electric field vector E.
  • •Describe the wave equation for the magnetic field vector B.
Week
4

Module 2: Electromagnetic Waves

3h

Unit 2: Lights as Transverse Waves

3 study hours
  • •Conclusively establish that light waves are transverse waves.
  • •Understand the propagation of plane electromagnetic waves in non-conducting media.
  • •Describe the relationship between the wave number and the amplitudes of electric and magnetic components of electromagnetic waves.
Week
5

Module 2: Electromagnetic Waves

4h

Unit 3: Reflections and Refraction of Plane Boundary of Plane Waves

4 study hours
  • •Qualify the phenomenon of reflection and refraction of plane waves at boundaries.
  • •Distinguish between reflection and refraction at a boundary between dielectrics and at the surface of conductors.
  • •Solve problems involving electromagnetic boundary conditions.
Week
6

Module 3: Energy and Radiation

3h

Unit 1: Energy Theorem in Maxwell's Theory

3 study hours
  • •Explain the energy theorem in Maxwell's electromagnetic theory.
  • •Understand why the energy theorem is also known as Poynting's theorem.
  • •Quantify the momentum theorem in Maxwell's electromagnetic theory.
Week
7

Module 3: Energy and Radiation

3h

Unit 2: Radiation from Extended Sources

3 study hours
  • •Appreciate that there are radiation from extended sources.
  • •Write down the macroscopic Maxwell equations.
  • •Explain how charges moving in matter radiate electromagnetic waves.
Week
8

Module 1: Introduction to Maxwell's Equations

6h

Unit 1: Introduction to Maxwell's Equations

3 study hours
  • •Review Maxwell's Equations
  • •Practice problems related to Gauss's Law
  • •Work through examples of applying Ampere's Law

Unit 2: Maxwell's Equations

3 study hours
  • •Solve problems related to Faraday's Law
  • •Review the concept of displacement current
  • •Work through examples of applying Maxwell's Equations
Week
9

Module 2: Electromagnetic Waves

6h

Unit 1: Electromagnetic Wave Equation and Theory of Light

3 study hours
  • •Solve problems related to electromagnetic waves
  • •Practice problems related to the theory of light
  • •Work through examples of applying the wave equation

Unit 2: Lights as Transverse Waves

3 study hours
  • •Solve problems related to transverse waves
  • •Practice problems related to light waves
  • •Work through examples of applying transverse waves
Week
10

Module 2: Electromagnetic Waves

4h

Unit 3: Reflections and Refraction of Plane Boundary of Plane Waves

4 study hours
  • •Solve problems related to reflection and refraction
  • •Practice problems related to plane waves
  • •Work through examples of applying the laws of reflection and refraction
Week
11

Module 3: Energy and Radiation

6h

Unit 1: Energy Theorem in Maxwell's Theory

3 study hours
  • •Solve problems related to the energy theorem
  • •Practice problems related to Maxwell's theory
  • •Work through examples of applying the energy theorem

Unit 2: Radiation from Extended Sources

3 study hours
  • •Solve problems related to radiation
  • •Practice problems related to extended sources
  • •Work through examples of applying radiation from extended sources
Week
12

Module 1: Introduction to Maxwell's Equations

6h

Modules 1 Review

6 study hours
  • •Review all units from Module 1.
  • •Focus on key concepts and problem-solving techniques.
  • •Practice applying Maxwell's equations to various scenarios.
Week
13

Modules 2 & 3 Review

6h

Modules 2 & 3 Review

6 study hours
  • •Review all units from Modules 2 and 3.
  • •Focus on wave propagation, reflection, refraction, energy, and radiation.
  • •Solve comprehensive problems integrating concepts from multiple units.

This study schedule is in beta and may not be accurate. Please use it as a guide and consult the course outline for the most accurate information.

Course PDF Material

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Study Tips & Exam Preparation

Expert tips to help you succeed in this course

1

Thoroughly review all tutor-marked assignments (TMAs) and their solutions.

2

Focus on understanding the underlying principles and assumptions behind each of Maxwell's equations.

3

Practice deriving key equations, such as the wave equation and Poynting's theorem, from Maxwell's equations.

4

Work through a variety of problems involving different geometries and boundary conditions.

5

Create concept maps linking the different modules and units to see the connections between topics.

6

Pay close attention to the mathematical techniques used in the course, such as vector calculus and complex analysis.

7

Allocate sufficient time to review and consolidate your understanding of the material in the weeks leading up to the exam.

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