Electrodynamics (PHYC30016)

Undergraduate level 3Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)

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Overview

Availability
Semester 1
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This subject provides an introduction to electrodynamics and a wide range of applications including communications, superconductors, plasmas, novel materials, photonics and astrophysics. Topics include: revision of Maxwell’s equations, strategies for solving boundary value problems for static and time-varying fields, electromagnetic fields in materials (including dielectrics, magnetic materials, conductors, plasmas and metamaterials), electromagnetic waves, derivation of geometric optics from Maxwell’s equations, guided waves, relativistic electrodynamics and the covariant formulation of electrodynamics, radiation by antennas and accelerating charged particles.

Intended learning outcomes

Students completing this subject should 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.

Generic skills

A student who completes this subject should be able to:

  • analyse how to solve a problem by applying simple fundamental laws to more complicated situations
  • apply abstract concepts to real-world situations
  • solve relatively complicated problems using approximations
  • participate as an effective member of a group in tutorial discussions
  • manage time effectively in order to be prepared for tutorial classes, undertake the written assignments and the examination.

Last updated: 9 April 2025

Eligibility and requirements

Prerequisites

Physics

One of

Code Name Teaching period Credit Points
PHYC20011 Electromagnetism and Optics
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5
PHYC20015 Special Relativity and Electromagnetism
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5

And Mathematics

Code Name Teaching period Credit Points
MAST20009 Vector Calculus
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5

And at least one of

 

Code Name Teaching period Credit Points
MAST10009 Accelerated Mathematics 2
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5
MAST20026 Real Analysis
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 1 (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5
MAST20030 Differential Equations
Semester 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
 12.5

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: 9 April 2025

Assessment

Additional details

 

 

Two assignments each equivalent to 1500 words during the semester (10% each), and a 3-hour written examination in the examination period (80%).

Last updated: 9 April 2025

Dates & times

  • Semester 1
    Principal coordinatorAnn Roberts
    Mode of deliveryOn Campus (Parkville)
    Contact hours2 to 4 hours per week, 36 in total, lectures and problem-solving classes
    Total time commitment170 hours
    Teaching period27 February 2017 to 28 May 2017
    Last self-enrol date10 March 2017
    Census date31 March 2017
    Last date to withdraw without fail 5 May 2017
    Assessment period ends23 June 2017

    Semester 1 contact information

    Email: PHYC30016@physics.unimelb.edu.au

Time commitment details

Estimated total time commitment of 170 hours

Last updated: 9 April 2025

Further information

  • Texts

    Prescribed texts

    D J Griffiths, Introduction to Electrodynamics, 4th edition, John Wiley

    Recommended texts and other resources

    J D Jackson, Classical Electrodynamics, 3rd edition, Academic Press.

  • 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:

    TypeName
    Informal specialisationPhysics
    Informal specialisationPhysics
    MajorMathematical Physics
    Informal specialisationScience-credited subjects - new generation B-SCI and B-ENG.
    MajorPhysics
    Informal specialisationPhysics
    Informal specialisationChemical 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.

    Please note Single Subject Studies via Community Access Program is not available to student visa holders or applicants

    Entry requirements including prerequisites may apply. Please refer to the CAP applications page for further information.

  • Available to Study Abroad and/or Study Exchange Students

    This subject is available to students studying at the University from eligible overseas institutions on exchange and study abroad. Students are required to satisfy any listed requirements, such as pre- and co-requisites, for enrolment in the subject.

Last updated: 9 April 2025