Module overview
The major concepts covered are:
- The abstraction from forces to fields using the examples of the electric and magnetic fields, with some applications
- The connection between conservative forces and potential energy
- How charges move through electric circuits
- The close connection between electricity and magnetism, leading to the discovery of electromagnetic waves.
- the integral form of Maxwell's Equations
Aims and Objectives
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge and Understanding
Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:
- the basic laws that underlie the properties of electric circuit elements
- the use of Ampere's law to calculate magnetic fields
- the use of the Lorentz force law for the magnetic force
- the use of Coulomb's law and Gauss' law for the electrostatic force
- the use of Faraday's law in induction problems
- the relationship between electrostatic field and electrostatic potential
Syllabus
Electric field
- Coulomb's law,
- Superposition principle
- Electric field and electrostatic potential,
- Field patterns and equipotentials,
- Gauss' law,
- Capacitance, conductors and insulators,
- Analogy to gravity
Magnetic field
- Vector product
- Lorentz force
- Ampere's Law
- Electric motors
- Magnetic field patterns
- Magnetic induction (Faraday's law)
- Dynamo
- Mutual and self inductance
- Transformers
Electric circuits
- Ohm's law and resistance.
Learning and Teaching
Teaching and learning methods
The course consists of 24 lectures presenting the basic material using chalk and talk plus powerpoint slides for historical background. There are also12 problem classes allowing hands on problem solving with help on hand. Assessed problems are through Mastering Physics, an online system that provides hints as you progress. The course is also supported by the first year small group tutorial sessions. A mid-term test encourages enagement early in the course.
| Type | Hours |
|---|---|
| Completion of assessment task | 18 |
| Lecture | 36 |
| Revision | 10 |
| Preparation for scheduled sessions | 18 |
| Wider reading or practice | 50 |
| Follow-up work | 18 |
| Total study time | 150 |
Resources & Reading list
Textbooks
Randall D. Knight (2004). Physics for Scientists and Engineers: a strategic approach, (extended ed with Mastering Physics). Pearson.
Young and Freedman (2004). University Physics. Pearsons.
Paul A. Tipler and Gene Mosca (2004). Physics for Scientists and Engineers (extended). Freeman.
D Halliday, R Resnick and J Walker (2001). Fundamentals of Physics (Extended). John Wiley.
Wolfson (2007). Essential University Physics. Pearsons.
Assessment
Assessment strategy
Course work worth 20% of the module mark will be set and assessed in the normal way. In the event that a course work is missed, students will be required to go through the Special Considerations procedures in order to request mitigation for that piece of course work. Please note that documentary evidence will normally be required before these can be considered.
A Mid-Semester test will be set approximately half way through the semester worth 10% of the module mark.
The final exam is worth 70% of the module mark.
Referral Method: By examination, the final mark will be calculated both with and without the coursework assessment mark carried forward, and the higher result taken.
Summative
This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Mid-Semester Test | 10% |
| Examination | 70% |
| Exercise | 20% |
Referral
This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Examination | 70% |
| Coursework marks carried forward | 30% |
Repeat
An internal repeat is where you take all of your modules again, including any you passed. An external repeat is where you only re-take the modules you failed.
| Method | Percentage contribution |
|---|---|
| Coursework marks carried forward | 30% |
| Examination | 70% |
Repeat Information
Repeat type: Internal & External