Special Relativity: Limits of Newtonian Mechanics, Inertial frames of reference, the Galilean and Lorentz transformations, time dilation and length contraction, invariant quantities under Lorentz transformation, energy momentum 4-vector.
Maxwell's equations: operators of vector calculus, Gauss law of electrostatics and magnetostatics, Faraday's law and Ampere's law, physical meanings and integral and differential forms, dielectrics, the wave equation and solutions, Poynting vector, the Fresnel relations, transmission and reflection at dielectric boundaries.
Modern Optics: Resonant cavities and the laser, optical modes, Polarisation and Jones vector formulation.
Total contact hours: 30
Private study hours: 120
Total study hours: 150
This is not available as a wild module.
Take-home Test 1 (45 mins, 15 %)
Take-home Test 2 (45 mins, 15 %)
Examination (70%)
D.J. Griffiths, Introduction to Electrodynamics, 3rd Ed. (1999), Prentice Hall
E. Hecht, Optics 3rd Edn., Addison Wesley, [QC375.2]
J. Wilson and J.F.B. Hawks, Optoelectronics: An Introduction, Prentice-Hall International, 1983. [QC 447]
A.Yariv, Optical electronics, Holt-Saunders International, 1985. [QC 447]
G. Barton, Introduction to the Relativity Principle, J. Wiley & Sons, 1999
Edwin F. Taylor and John Archibald Wheeler, Spacetime Physics: Introduction to Special Relativity, 2nd ed. W. H. Freeman & Company, 1992.
See the library reading list for this module (Canterbury)
The intended subject specific learning outcomes. On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
Have:
Knowledge and understanding of electromagnetic and relativistic laws and principles, and their application to diverse areas of physics.
An ability to identify relevant principles and laws when dealing with problems in electromagnetism and relativity, and to make approximations necessary to obtain solutions.
An ability to solve problems in electromagnetism and relativity using appropriate mathematical tools.
An ability to use mathematical techniques and analysis to model physical behaviour in electromagnetism and relativity.
An ability to present and interpret information graphically.
An ability to make use of appropriate texts, research-based materials or other learning resources as part of managing their own learning.
The intended generic learning outcomes. On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
Have a knowledge and understanding of:
Problem-solving skills, in the context of both problems with well-defined solutions and open-ended problems; an ability to formulate problems in precise terms and to identify key issues, and the confidence to try different approaches in order to make progress on challenging problems. Numeracy is subsumed within this area.
Analytical skills – associated with the need to pay attention to detail and to develop an ability to manipulate precise and intricate ideas, to construct logical arguments and to use technical language correctly.
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