Electromagnetic Theory
- Sciences
- 400 level
- 3 credit units
- 67 pages
- 7 units
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.
About this course
- Difficulty
- Intermediate
- Study hours
- 120 hours
- Maths
- Advanced
- Content
- Theoretical, problem solving
- Practical work
- No
- Basic Electromagnetism
- Calculus
- Differential Equations
- Tutor marked assignments
- Final examination
What you'll read
The real module and unit structure of MTH417, taken from the course material NOUN publishes.
One paragraph, so you can see how it reads
MTH417 · Unit 1: Introduction to Maxwell’s Equations
You are expected to be familiar with basic electromagnetism and concepts in the prerequisite to this course, as you are encouraged to develop an enquiring attitude towards electromagnetically abundant universe around you which abounds with, and with which you interact every single day.
What you should be able to do
- State and explain Maxwell's equations in both integral and differential forms.
- Apply the Lorentz force law to calculate the force on a charged particle in an electromagnetic field.
- Derive and analyze the electromagnetic wave equation.
- Explain the concepts of reflection and refraction of electromagnetic waves at boundaries.
- Apply Poynting's theorem to calculate energy flow in electromagnetic fields.
- Derive and apply the Lorentz transformation to relate measurements in different inertial frames.
What it prepares you for
- Telecommunications Engineer
- Antenna Designer
- Radar Systems Engineer
- Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) Specialist
- Research Scientist
- Telecommunications
- Aerospace
- Medical Imaging
- Defense
- Renewable Energy
- MATLAB
- COMSOL
- HFSS
Where it gets hard
The units students slow down on, and what makes each one heavy.
- Module 2: Electromagnetic Waves
Unit 3: Reflections and Refraction of Plane Boundary of Plane Waves
The mathematical treatment of wave propagation in conducting media requires a strong foundation in complex analysis and differential equations.
- Module 3: Energy and Radiation
Unit 1: Energy Theorem in Maxwell's Theory
The derivation and application of the Maxwell stress tensor involve advanced vector calculus and a deep understanding of electromagnetic field interactions.
A suggested way through it
13 weeks, about 56 hours in total. Yours will differ.
- Week 1Module 1: Introduction to Maxwell's Equations
Unit 1: Introduction to Maxwell's Equations · 3 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 2Module 1: Introduction to Maxwell's Equations
Unit 2: Maxwell's Equations · 3 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 3Module 2: Electromagnetic Waves
Unit 1: Electromagnetic Wave Equation and Theory of Light · 3 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 4Module 2: Electromagnetic Waves
Unit 2: Lights as Transverse Waves · 3 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 5Module 2: Electromagnetic Waves
Unit 3: Reflections and Refraction of Plane Boundary of Plane Waves · 4 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 6Module 3: Energy and Radiation
Unit 1: Energy Theorem in Maxwell's Theory · 3 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 7Module 3: Energy and Radiation
Unit 2: Radiation from Extended Sources · 3 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 8Module 1: Introduction to Maxwell's Equations
Unit 1: Introduction to Maxwell's Equations · 3 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 hours
Solve problems related to Faraday's Law. Review the concept of displacement current. Work through examples of applying Maxwell's Equations.
- Week 9Module 2: Electromagnetic Waves
Unit 1: Electromagnetic Wave Equation and Theory of Light · 3 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 hours
Solve problems related to transverse waves. Practice problems related to light waves. Work through examples of applying transverse waves.
- Week 10Module 2: Electromagnetic Waves
Unit 3: Reflections and Refraction of Plane Boundary of Plane Waves · 4 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 11Module 3: Energy and Radiation
Unit 1: Energy Theorem in Maxwell's Theory · 3 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 hours
Solve problems related to radiation. Practice problems related to extended sources. Work through examples of applying radiation from extended sources.
- Week 12Module 1: Introduction to Maxwell's Equations
Modules 1 Review · 6 hours
Review all units from Module 1.. Focus on key concepts and problem-solving techniques.. Practice applying Maxwell's equations to various scenarios..
- Week 13Modules 2 & 3 Review
Modules 2 & 3 Review · 6 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..
Preparing for the exam
- Thoroughly review all tutor-marked assignments (TMAs) and their solutions.
- Focus on understanding the underlying principles and assumptions behind each of Maxwell's equations.
- Practice deriving key equations, such as the wave equation and Poynting's theorem, from Maxwell's equations.
- Work through a variety of problems involving different geometries and boundary conditions.
- Create concept maps linking the different modules and units to see the connections between topics.
- Pay close attention to the mathematical techniques used in the course, such as vector calculus and complex analysis.
- Allocate sufficient time to review and consolidate your understanding of the material in the weeks leading up to the exam.
Questions students ask about this course
What is MTH417 about?
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.
How many units does MTH417 have?
MTH417, Electromagnetic Theory, has 7 units across 3 modules, over 67 pages of course material. You can read it one unit at a time.
How many credit units is MTH417?
MTH417 carries 3 credit units, at 400 level in Sciences.
Is MTH417 hard?
MTH417 is rated intermediate level, with advanced mathematical content. It is mostly theoretical and problem solving work.
How long does MTH417 take to study?
About 120 hours of study, spread across its 7 units.
How is MTH417 assessed?
MTH417 is assessed by tutor marked assignments and final examination.
What do I need before starting MTH417?
Basic Electromagnetism Calculus Differential Equations
What can I do with MTH417?
Telecommunications Engineer, Antenna Designer, Radar Systems Engineer, Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) Specialist and Research Scientist.