Course Catalogue

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This course describes the fundamental physical principles involved in Electromagnetics (including electrostatics, magnetism, electromagnetic induction and an introduction to Maxwell's equations) , Special Theory of Relativity (including relativistic space-time, velocity transformation and relativistic dynamics) and an introduction to Quantum Physics (including the photoelectric effect, Bohr model, wave particle duality, Schrödinger equation and atomic spectra).

Course will be delivered continuously in the traditional manner at UESTC.

Mandatory Entry Requirements

None

Recommended Entry Requirements

None

None

None

Assessment

15% homework/tutorial coursework, 10% quiz, 75% closed-book final exam (2 hours)

Reassessment

In accordance with the University's Code of Assessment reassessments are normally set for all courses which do not contribute to the honours classifications. For non honours courses, students are offered reassessment in all or any of the components of assessment if the satisfactory (threshold) grade for the overall course is not achieved at the first attempt. This is normally grade D3 for undergraduate students, and grade C3 for postgraduate students. Exceptionally it may not be possible to offer reassessment of some coursework items, in which case the mark achieved at the first attempt will be counted towards the final course grade. Any such exceptions are listed below in this box.

This course aims to introduce the fundamental physical principles involved in Electromagnetics (including electrostatics, magnetism, electromagnetic induction and an introduction to Maxwell's equations) , Special Theory of Relativity and an introduction to Quantum Physics, then develop in students a solid foundation and the ability of problem solving in these areas.

By the end of this course students will be able to:

■ define the concepts of electric fields, electric field lines and electric flux, electric potential and potential difference (voltage) and displacement and conduction current;

■ apply the principles of electrostatics to solve problems in physical systems including conductors, dielectrics and capacitors in electrostatic equilibrium, calculate the capacitances and stored energies

■ employ Biot-Savart Law, Ampère's circuital theorem to calculate magnetic fields, magnetic forces and magnetic torque;

■ use Faraday's Law to solve magnetic induction, and understand the concept of induced electric field.

■ state Maxwell's equations and describe the basic properties of electromagnetic waves;

■ describe fundamental results arising from special theory of relativity, including time dilation, length contraction, relativistic mass, kinetic energy and relativistic momentum-energy transformation;

■ comprehend important concepts in quantum physics, explain typical experimental results, analyse and calculate quantum systems by using wave-particle duality, Heisenberg uncertainty principle, Schrödinger equation, the rules of quantum numbers and atomic spectra.

Students must attend the degree examination and submit at least 75% by weight of the other components of the course's summative assessment.