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Handbook 1997 : Faculty of Science : Physics

640-323 Electrodynamics (Advanced)

Credit Points:

15.5

Coordinator:

Assoc. Professor J W G Wignall

Prerequisite/s:

Physics 640-225 or 640-245; Mathematics 618-231 and 618-232. (A small section of the course will assume knowledge of special relativity to the level of Physics 640-241 or Physics 640-221)

Timetable:

Semester 2

Contact:

36 lectures (three a week) and 13 x 1-hour tutorials

Objectives:

By the completion of this course the student should:

  • have a thorough comprehension of classical electrodynamics based on Maxwell's equations, including its formulation in covariant form;

  • be able to apply this understanding to the solution of problems involving the calculation of fields (boundary value problems), the motion of charged particles, and the production and behaviour of electromagnetic waves;

  • appreciate the role of electrodynamics as the prototype of a number of more general physical theories.

Content:

Electrodynamics in vacuo: in terms of both fields and potentials; relativistic covariance. Electrodynamics in material media: dielectric, magnetic, conducting. Calculation of fields, boundary value problems: motion of particles in electromagnetic fields; magneto-hydrodynamics; production, propagation, and interaction of electromagnetic waves; radiation from accelerated charges. Lagrangian and Hamiltonian formulation of particle motion in a field and of the field itself; quantum aspects of electrodynamics.

Assessment:

A 3-hour end-of-semester written examination plus tests and/or assignments, set during the semester, which may account for up to 20% of the final mark.

Prescribed Texts:

  • Jackson J D, Classical Electrodynamics, 2nd ed. Wiley.
    or
    Vanderlinde J, Classical Electromagnetic Theory, Wiley.
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Handbook 1997 : Faculty of Science : Physics 
Status:                   OFFICIAL 1997
Last Modified:            Wednesday March 12 3:36 pm
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Email Enquiries:          Course_Information@registrar.unimelb.edu.au
Copyright © University of Melbourne 1997.