Syllabus for Electromagnetic Field Theory

Learning outcomes

On completion of the course, the student should be able to:

• formulate potential problems within electrostatics, magnetostatics and stationary current distributions in linear, isotropic media, and also solve such problems in simple geometries using separation of variables and the method of images
• define and derive expressions for the energy both for the electrostatic and magnetostatic fields, and derive Poyntings theorem from Maxwells equations and interpret the terms in the theorem physically
• describe and make calculations of plane electromagnetic waves in homogeneous media, including reflection of such waves in plane boundaries between homogeneous media

Content

Repetition of vector analysis. Repetition of the electrostatic and magnetostatic fields, including the polarisation field in dielectrics and the magnetisation field in magnetisable media. Potential theory (boundary value problems, uniqueness theorem, method of images, separation of variables) with applications in electrostatics, magnetostatics and stationary current distributions. Induction law and displacement current. Maxwells equations. Poyntings theorem. Wave equation, plane waves and a brief description of waves along different types of wave guides. Field penetration in conducting media. Skin depth. Generation of electromagnetic radiation (inhomogeneous wave equation, retarded potentials). Electric dipole radiation field.

Instruction

Lectures and lessons. Guest lecture.

Assessment

Written examination at the end of the course. Active participation, at lessons and guest lecture, and half-time examination give bonus points that are valid at the final examination at the end of the course and at the first scheduled re-examination. 

If there are special reasons for doing so, an examiner may make an exception from the method of assessment indicated and allow a student to be assessed by another method. An example of special reasons might be a certificate regarding special pedagogical support from the disability coordinator of the university.