This course covers electrodynamics, which is mathematical understanding and physical interpretation of the Maxwell equations. We do not follow a specific textbook -- I teach from my accumulated notes -- but my notes are closest to the book of Francis Low, Classical Field Theory. Unfotunately, the book is out of print, but you may get hold of a used copy. If not, you can borrow an e-copy here.
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.
Class attendance is required. A sign-off sheet will be circulated at the beginning of the class. 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 January 24, at 8.00 am in ESS 079.
Prerequisuites
Two semesters of junior/senior level electrodynamics and PHY 503 (Mathematical Physics) or equivalent. A good understanding of Mathematical Physics including complex analysis is essential.
Recitation
This course has an associated two hour recitation. Attendance of both hours is required. For technical reason you can register only for one of the two hours. The recitation is Friday 9.15 - 11.25 in ESS 079
TextBook and Lecture Notes
As I said above, I will teach from my accumulated notes, but the textbook that is closest to my lectures is "Classical Theory of Fields" by Francis Low. This book is out of print but you may be able to find a used copy. Otherwise you can borrow an e-copy at the link above. Undegraduate 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. A traditional textbook, first published in 1967, is Classical Electrodynamics by J.D. Jackson. Please do not buy the 3rd edition which is using SI units while I am using standard Gaussian units which can be very confusing. So, if plan to buy a copy of Jackson, please get a (used) version of the second edition which are available on Amazon (used as low as $ 40 as opposed to a new third edittion of $ 248). Electronic versions of the 2nd edition may be easy to get as well but I did not look into that. Another good book that I have used in the past is The Classical Theory of Fields by Landau and Lifshitz.
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, 20 percent for the midterm and 50 percent for the final. Students who get less than 25 percent correct of the final can expect an F grade for this course. This is under the assumption that we can have an in person midterm and final. If not we will change this formula.
Final Exam: Wednesday May 18, 2022, 8.00 -- 10.45. Frivolous excuses such as I have booked a flight back home or I have two exams on the same day will not be accepted.
Class Times and Venue: Mo-Wed-Fr 8-8.45, and Recitation of Friday 9.15 -- 11.25, all in ESS 079.
Office Hours
There is time after each lecture and during the recition to ask questions. At this point there will be no in person office hours in my office.
Homework
Homework will be assigned weekly, and dpending on the TA must be submitted electronically as a readable pdf or as a paper version. It will be assigned on Friday and is due next Thursday at midnight. No extensions of the homework deadline will be given. If the handwriting or scan is not sufficiently clear, it is the prerogative of the TA not to grade the homework. 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 and will instruct the TA to do the same.
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 keep distance as well.
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.