PHY7201 Classical Electrodynamics

This course builds on the undergraduate courses; Electricity & Magnetism, and Electromagnetism. First, simple theories in electrostatics, the continuity and Maxwell’s equations, the Poynting vector and conservations laws will be reviewed. Then, the wave equation and its applications to wave guides and resonant cavities will be presented, as well as radiation from localized and moving charges. The final content will be special relativity applied to charged particles in EM fields.

Course Objectives
The objectives of the course are to:

• Derive mathematical equations to explain some of the electromagnetic phenomena.
• Describe the different properties of wave propagation such as reflection, refraction and absorption,
• Develop advanced problem solving and mathematical skills through application of such skills to a variety of physical problems.
• Apply the wave equation to material characterization and in communication.
• Discuss special relativity as applied to charged particles in electromagnetic fields.

Learning Outcomes
By the end of the course, the students should be able to:

• Derive the continuity equation.
• Solve the wave equation in time varying fields.
• Describe waves in conducting media and in plasma
• Apply the wave equation to material characterization and in communication
• Determine the amount of energy transfer from collisions between charged particles
• Apply special relativity to charged particles in electromagnetic fields