This course covers electrodynamics, which is mathematical understanding and physical interpretation of the Maxwell equations. Although we do not follow a specific textbook, we discuss the material roughly in the order of the classic textbook by Jackson. We cover electrostatics, magnetostatics, relativity, waves, electromagentic radiation as well as applications and will emphasize the basic understanding of electrodynamics. A tentative course plan is available. A good understanding of mathematical physics is essential. We assume that you have had two semesters of undergraduate electrodynamics, at the level of Griffiths textbook.
Students are required to attend all classes, and the level of my lectures will be such that everyone can follow the lecture at all times. Questions on the material on my explanations are strongly encouraged during classe and I may give quizzes to find out if I have been sufficiently clear.
The first class meeting is Monday February 1, at 8 am in Frey 104.
Recitation
This course has an associated two hour recitation taught by Prof. Goldman. Attendance of both hours of the recitation is required. For technical reason you can register only for one of the two hours. The recitation is Friday 9.15 - 11.25 in Frey 100.
TextBook and Lecture Notes
The textook is "Classical Electrodynamics" by J.D. Jackson. Undergraduate textbooks by Purcell and Griffiths are recommended as well. Another noteworthy textbook is "Essential Physics" by our Prof. Likharev. Scans of of handwritten lecture notes will be posted on the course website. Note that I will use Gaussian units while the latest edition of Jackson is in SI units. So it is better to buy a (used) version of the second edition which are available on Amazon (used $ 40 and new $ 231). Electronic versions of the 2nd edition may be easy to get as well but I did not look into that.
Grade Calculation
The course grade will be based on homework, a midterm exam, a final exam and attendance, according to the formula 10 percent homework, 10 percent for class attendance (including possible quizzes), 10 percent for recitation attendance, 25 percent for the midterm and 35 percent for the final. This is under the assumption that we can have an in person midterm and final. If not we will change this formula.
Class Times and Venue: Mo-Wed-Fr 8-8.45, in Frey Hall 104.
Office Hours
There is some time after each lecture to ask question, but otherwise my office hours will be online by specific appointent. Office hours of the TA (Joshua Leeman) and the recitation instructor (Vladimir Goldman) will be announced.
Homework
Homework will be assigned weekly, and must be submitted electronically as a readable pdf. It will be assigned on Friday and is due the next Friday before the start of class. If the handwriting or scan is not sufficiently clear, it is the prerogative of the TA not to grade the homework. I have created a folder on Google drive for each of you where you can upload the homework. Please upload each homework as a single pdf file. The simplest way is to make pictures of the homework and collate them into a single pdf file to be uploaded. Copying homework solutions from the internet is not allowed, but collaboration with fellow students is encouraged. I will check if homework solutions have been copied from the web or other sources.
Masks and Social Distance
A face mask covering mouth and nose has to be worn at all times during class. Students who do not comply will be asked to leave the classroom. Please distribute yourself such as to maintain a proper distance to other students. If you have questions after class, please do not come forward but remain seated.
Course Website: PHY 505 Website
University Policies
We will comply with University Policies with regards to religious holidays, accessibility, disabilities, academic integrety, etc.. See, the Provost Webpage and University Syllabus statement for details.