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MATH2657: SPECIAL RELATIVITY AND ELECTROMAGNETISM II

Please ensure you check the module availability box for each module outline, as not all modules will run in each academic year. Each module description relates to the year indicated in the module availability box, and this may change from year to year, due to, for example: changing staff expertise, disciplinary developments, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback. Current modules are subject to change in light of the ongoing disruption caused by Covid-19.

Type Open
Level 2
Credits 10
Availability Available in 2024/2025
Module Cap
Location Durham
Department Mathematical Sciences

Prerequisites

  • Calculus I (Maths Hons) (MATH1081) or Calculus I (MATH1061) and Linear Algebra I (Maths Hons) (MATH1091) or Linear Algebra I (MATH1071)

Corequisites

  • Analysis in Many Variables II (MATH2031)

Excluded Combinations of Modules

  • None

Aims

  • To appreciate the conceptual and mathematical structure of Special Relativity. To appreciate classical electromagnetism as an example of a relativistic theory.

Content

  • Electro- and magnetostatics
  • Time-dependent Fields and Maxwell's Equations
  • Inertial Frames
  • Relativistic formulation of Maxwell's Equations
  • Spacetime and systems of free particles

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:

  • By the end of the module students will: be able to solve arange of predictable and unpredictable problems in the given topics.
  • Have an awareness of the abstract concepts of theoreticalmathematics in the field of the given topics.
  • Have a knowledge and understanding of the major theories ofthese subjects demonstrated through one or more of the following topicareas: electro- and magnetostatics, time-dependent fields and Maxwell's equations,inertial frames, relativistic formulation of Maxwell's equations,spacetime and systems of free particles.

Subject-specific Skills:

  • In addition students will have the ability to undertake anddefend the use of alternative mathematical skills in the following areas with minimal guidance: Modelling.

Key Skills:

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

  • Lecturing demonstrates what is required to be learned and the application of the theory to practical examples.
  • Weekly/Fortnightly homework problems provide formative assessment to guide students in the correct development of their knowledge and skills.
  • Tutorials provide active engagement and feedback to the learning process.
  • The end-of-year examination assesses the knowledge acquired and the ability to solve predictable and unpredictable problems.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

ActivityNumberFrequencyDurationTotalMonitored
Lectures222 per week in Epiphany and in first week of Easter1 Hour22 
Tutorials5Fortnightly in Epiphany and one in Easter1 Hour5Yes
Problems Classes4Fortnightly in Epiphany1 Hour4 
Preparation and Reading69 
Total100 

Summative Assessment

Component: ExaminationComponent Weighting: 100%
ElementLength / DurationElement WeightingResit Opportunity
End of year written examination2 hours100Yes

Formative Assessment

Fortnightly or Weekly written assignments.

More information

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