Electromagnetism and Optics

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2011:

One of

Plus one of

Plus one of

Plus one of

Students who have completed any of the following subjects cannot enrol in this subject for credit

• 640-225 Electromagnetism & Relativity Advanced (prior to 2009)
• 640-245 Electromagnetism & Relativity (prior to 2009)

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Description, Subject Objectives, Generic Skills and Assessment Requirements of this entry.
The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the disability support scheme can be found at the Disability Liaison Unit website: http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/

This subject extends knowledge of the fundamental principles of electromagnetism, introducing Maxwell’s equations in differential form, and key topics in optics. Electromagnetism topics include the electric field (e.g. Gauss’s law in integral and differential form, scalar potential and gradient, Poisson and Laplace equations), the magnetic field (e.g. Ampere’s law in integral and differential forms), Maxwell’s equations in vacuum (integral and differential forms), Maxwell’s equations in matter (polarization, electric displacement, magnetic vector potential), time-varying electric and magnetic fields (Maxwell’s equations in general form, wave equations for E and B, plane electromagnetic wave, Poynting vector). Optics topics include an introduction to Fourier optics, Fourier transforms in 1 and 2D, Dirac delta function and comb, discrete Fourier transforms and the sampling theorem, convolution, cross and autocorrelation. Fresnel and Fraunhofer diffraction are treated explicitly and a description of polarized light with methods of producing and controlling polarisation.

To challenge students to expand their knowledge of fundamental physics principles and develop their capacity to:

• explain the physical basis of Maxwell's equations and solve and analyse simple problems in electromagnetism by applying Maxwell's equations;
• explain Fraunhofer and Fresnel diffraction and solve and analyse simple problems in optics using Fourier transforms and related analytical tools.
• acquire and interpret experimental data and perform computer modelling.

Ongoing assessment of practical work during the semester including:

• log-book record keeping and participation (10%)
• a written report of up to 2,000 words (10%)

Satisfactory completion of practical work is necessary to pass the subject, including attendance and submission of work for at least 80% of workshop sessions, together with a result for assessed work of at least 50%.

• Three written assignments requiring a total of up to 9 hours of work outside class time during the semester (15% in total)
• A 3-hour written examination in the examination period (65%)

R H Good, Classical Electromagnetism, Saunders

This subject potentially can be taken as a breadth subject component for the following courses:

• Bachelor of Arts
• Bachelor of Commerce
• Bachelor of Environments
• Bachelor of Music

You should visit learn more about breadth subjects and read the breadth requirements for your degree, and should discuss your choice with your student adviser, before deciding on your subjects.

A student who completes this subject should be able to:

• explain their understanding of physics principles and applications lucidly, both in writing and orally;
• acquire and interpret experimental data and design experimental investigations;
• participate as an effective member of a group in tutorial discussions, laboratory and study groups;
• think independently and analytically, and direct his or her own learning;
• manage time effectively in order to be prepared for regular practical and tutorial classes, tests, the examination and to complete assignments.