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Electromagnetism and Optics (PHYC20011)
Undergraduate level 2Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)
About this subject
- Overview
- Eligibility and requirements
- Assessment
- Dates and times
- Further information
- Timetable(opens in new window)
Contact information
Semester 2
Overview
Availability | Semester 2 |
---|---|
Fees | Look up fees |
This subject extends knowledge of the fundamental principles of electromagnetism, introducing Maxwell’s equations in differential form, and key topics in optics. Electromagnetism topics include the electric field (e.g. Gauss’s law in integral and differential form, scalar potential and gradient, Poisson and Laplace equations), the magnetic field (e.g. Ampere’s law in integral and differential forms), Maxwell’s equations in vacuum (integral and differential forms), Maxwell’s equations in matter (polarization, electric displacement, magnetic vector potential), time-varying electric and magnetic fields (Maxwell’s equations in general form, wave equations for E and B, plane electromagnetic wave, Poynting vector). Optics topics include an introduction to Fourier optics, Fourier transforms in 1 and 2D, Dirac delta function and comb, discrete Fourier transforms and the sampling theorem, convolution, cross and autocorrelation. Fresnel and Fraunhofer diffraction are treated explicitly and a description of polarized light with methods of producing and controlling polarisation.
Intended learning outcomes
To challenge students to expand their knowledge of fundamental physics principles and develop their capacity to:
- explain the physical basis of Maxwell's equations and solve and analyse simple problems in electromagnetism by applying Maxwell's equations;
- explain Fraunhofer and Fresnel diffraction and solve and analyse simple problems in optics using Fourier transforms and related analytical tools.
- acquire and interpret experimental data and perform computer modelling.
Generic skills
A student who completes this subject should be able to:
- explain their understanding of physics principles and applications lucidly, both in writing and orally;
- acquire and interpret experimental data and design experimental investigations;
- participate as an effective member of a group in tutorial discussions, laboratory and study groups;
- think independently and analytically, and direct his or her own learning;
- manage time effectively in order to be prepared for regular practical and tutorial classes, tests, the examination and to complete assignments.
Last updated: 22 March 2024
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
One of
Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
---|---|---|---|
PHYC10001 | Physics 1: Advanced | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
PHYC10003 | Physics 1 | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
PHYC10005 | Physics 1: Fundamentals | Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
Plus one of
Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
---|---|---|---|
PHYC10002 | Physics 2: Advanced | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
PHYC10004 | Physics 2: Physical Science & Technology | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
PHYC10006 | Physics 2: Life Sciences & Environment | Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville) |
12.5 |
Plus
Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
---|---|---|---|
MAST20009 | Vector Calculus |
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
|
12.5 |
(MAST20009 can be taken concurrently)
Corequisites
None
Non-allowed subjects
None
Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)
The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.
Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home
Last updated: 22 March 2024
Assessment
Additional details
Ongoing assessment of practical work during the semester including:
- log-book record keeping and participation (10%)
- a written report of up to 2,000 words (10%)
Satisfactory completion of practical work is necessary to pass the subject, including attendance and submission of work for at least 80% of workshop sessions, together with a result for assessed work of at least 50%.
- Three written assignments requiring a total of up to 9 hours of work outside class time during the semester (15% in total)
- A 3-hour written examination in the examination period (65%)
Last updated: 22 March 2024
Dates & times
- Semester 2
Principal coordinator Harry Quiney Mode of delivery On Campus (Parkville) Contact hours 3 x one hour lectures per week (total 27 lectures); 1 x one hour tutorial per week (total 9 classes); 1 x three hour laboratory class per week (total 6 classes). Total time commitment 170 hours Teaching period 24 July 2017 to 22 October 2017 Last self-enrol date 4 August 2017 Census date 31 August 2017 Last date to withdraw without fail 22 September 2017 Assessment period ends 17 November 2017 Semester 2 contact information
Time commitment details
Estimated total time commitment of 170 hours
Additional delivery details
Please Note: This subject is a transitional subject that is available only to students that have already successfully completed one of PHYC20009 or PHYC20010.
All other students wishing to undertake Level 2 Physics should select from the subjects PHYC20012, PHYC20013, PHYC20014 and PHYC20015.
This subject requires all students to actively and safely participate in laboratory activities.
Last updated: 22 March 2024
Further information
- Texts
Prescribed texts
E Purcell, Electricity and Magnetism, 3rd ed., Cambridge University Press
Recommended texts and other resources
E Hecht, Optics 4th edn, Addison-Wesley
- Subject notes
This subject is available for science credit to students enrolled in the BSc (both pre-2008 and new degrees), BASc or a combined BSc course.
- Related Handbook entries
This subject contributes to the following:
Type Name Informal specialisation Science-credited subjects - new generation B-SCI and B-ENG. Informal specialisation Selective subjects for B-BMED Major Physics - Breadth options
This subject is available as breadth in the following courses:
- Available through the Community Access Program
About the Community Access Program (CAP)
This subject is available through the Community Access Program (also called Single Subject Studies) which allows you to enrol in single subjects offered by the University of Melbourne, without the commitment required to complete a whole degree.
Entry requirements including prerequisites may apply. Please refer to the CAP applications page for further information.
Last updated: 22 March 2024