PHS2062 Electromagnetism and optics

Lectures – The unit consists of two topics: Electromagnetism and optics. Lecture notes and/or slides for each topic will become available via Moodle, and you are encouraged to read ahead of the lectures. Problems sets highlighting consequences of the theory and giving you practice in applying it are also available on Moodle. The standard of problems and assignments is largely typical of that required in the examinations. Solutions to select problems, assignments and past exams will be posted on Moodle at appropriate times during semester, enabling you to check your progress.

Problem-solving workshops – These allow you to practise working through real problems in an environment where you are able to enrich your learning through discussions with your peers, TAs and lecturer. Assessment activities will take place during all these workshops.

Laboratories – The laboratories serve a dual purpose: they help you develop a range of experimental, analytical and communication skills, and they reinforce and extend topics covered in lectures.

Computational workshops – The number of real-life problems solvable on a whiteboard is limited. Most analysis, both in industry and in physics research, involves computer modelling. The workshops introduce you to the modern discipline of computational physics and foster deeper understanding of the corresponding lecture material in an enjoyable manner. You will use visual graphing, dynamic interactive displays, symbolic/analytic problem solving and numerical computation to explore a wide variety of problems in great depth, and create some new computer code along the way. The platform is Wolfram’s Mathematica. You will work independently, but collaborative discussions are encouraged and further assistance is provided by in-class TAs.