640-323 Electrodynamics (Adv)

Physics 640-225 or 640-245; mathematics 620-231 or 620-233; and mathematics 620-232 or 620-234.

This subject provides an introduction to electrodynamics and looks at a wide range of applications including optical fibres, superconductors, plasmas, and astrophysics.

Students completing this subject will be able to:

• explain classical electrodynamics based on Maxwell's equations including its formulation in covariant form;

• solve problems involving the calculation of fields, the motion of charged particles and the production of electromagnetic waves; and

• analyse the solution of these problems in the context of a range of applications.

In addition, students will enhance their ability to:

• participate effectively as part of a group in tutorials; and

• plan effective work schedules and manage their time to meet the deadlines for submission of assessable work and prepare for tests and examinations.

The subject provides an introduction to 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; production, propagation, and interaction of electromagnetic waves; radiation from accelerated charges; and Lagrangian and Hamiltonian formulation of particle motion in a field and of the field itself.

A 3-hour end-of-semester written examination; plus tests totalling up to two hours and/or projects and/or assignments totalling up to an equivalent of no more than 3000 words, set during the semester and which may account for up to 20% of the final mark.

• J D Jackson, Classical Electrodynamics. 3rd edn, Wiley.