Special Relativity and Electromagnetism (PHYC20015)

Undergraduate level 2Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)

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Overview

Availability
Semester 2
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This subject introduces Einstein’s Special Principle of Relativity and develops the fundamental principles of electromagnetism and Maxwell’s equations in differential form. Special relativity topics include the foundations of special relativity, spacetime invariance, simultaneity, and Minkowski diagrams, relativistic kinematics, the Doppler effect, relativistic dynamics, and nuclear reactions. 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). The presentation concludes with the relativistic formulation of the Lorentz force law.

Intended learning outcomes

To challenge students to expand their knowledge of fundamental physics principles and develop their capacity to:



  • discuss the key observations and events that led to the development of Einstein’s theory of special relativity and Maxwell’s equations of electromagnetism;
  • explain the fundamental principles of special relativity and electromagnetism and the far-reaching connections between them
  • use these fundamental physical principles in the analysis of simple problems;
  • discuss the experimental basis of these fundamental principles and how this contributed to the subsequent development of fundamental physics.

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;
  • Describe the experimental and observational basis of the physical principles presented in the subject, both in writing and orally;
  • Participate as an effective member of a group in tutorial discussions and study groups;
  • Think independently and analytically and direct his or her own learning;
  • Manage time effectively in order to be prepared for regular tutorial classes, tests, the examination and to complete assignments.

Last updated: 20 March 2025

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

And 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

And one of:

Code Name Teaching period Credit Points
MAST10006 Calculus 2
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5
MAST10009 Accelerated Mathematics 2
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5

And one of:

Code Name Teaching period Credit Points
MAST10007 Linear Algebra
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
Summer Term (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5
MAST10008 Accelerated Mathematics 1
Semester 1 (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 may 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: 20 March 2025

Assessment

Additional details

Three written assignments requiring a total of up to twenty-four hours of work outside class time during the semester to be submitted and assessed early, mid and late semester (30%, 10% for each assignment). A three hour written examination during the examination period (70%).

Last updated: 20 March 2025

Dates & times

  • Semester 2
    Principal coordinatorHarry Quiney
    Mode of deliveryOn Campus (Parkville)
    Contact hours48 hours comprising 36 hours of lectures and 12 hours of tutorials.
    Total time commitment170 hours
    Teaching period24 July 2017 to 22 October 2017
    Last self-enrol date 4 August 2017
    Census date31 August 2017
    Last date to withdraw without fail22 September 2017
    Assessment period ends17 November 2017

    Semester 2 contact information

    quiney@unimelb.edu.au

Time commitment details

170 Hours

Last updated: 20 March 2025

Further information

Last updated: 20 March 2025