Semester 1

The module PH80541: Electrodynamics offers a thorough exploration of the principles and applications of electric and magnetic fields and their dynamic interactions. It begins with an overview of electromagnetism, focusing on Maxwell’s equations as the foundation for understanding electromagnetic phenomena. The module then examines the propagation of electromagnetic waves, covering their behavior in dielectric and conducting media, including dispersion, absorption, skin depth, plasma frequency, reflection and transmission at both normal and oblique incidences. It further investigates wave propagation in bounded media, such as transmission lines, hollow-cylindrical and rectangular waveguides, TE and TM modes, cutoff frequencies, and optical fibers, addressing attenuation mechanisms, optical transmitters and receivers, and practical applications. The study of anisotropic media introduces concepts of double refraction, optical activity, and polarization. Additionally, the module covers potentials, fields, and radiation, including vector and scalar potentials, gauge transformations, retarded potentials, dipole radiation, and radiation from accelerated charges. Finally, it emphasizes teaching strategies for electrodynamics, equipping students with approaches to effectively convey complex concepts and principles in this fundamental area of physics.