Course Objectives:
This is the first part of an advanced course on electromagnetic theory for Physics Master's
degree students. Students are expected to have a reasonable background in electrodynamics and to
have done a first course on electrodynamics at the level of Berkeley Physics, Volume 2 by E.M. Purcell or Griffith's book on electrodynamics.
In this course, we will primarily learn how to solve the Maxwell's equations
for various boundary conditions. Some emphasis will be on learning to
use spherical harmonics and the Greens function
methods for solving the Maxwell's equations. We will have a focus an applying the results to
real-life situations. For example, it is expected that a student who works through this course
will be able to understand and design simple electromagnetic devices for generating fields in
devices such as electrostatic and magnetostatic lenses etc. Towards the latter part of the
course, we will focus on issues such as dispersion in
materials, energy and momentum transport by electromagnetic waves.
- First handout detailing the course outline, syllabus
and evaluation
- Notes for elementary help with curvilinear coordinates
and delta functions
Assignments
- Assignment - 1
- Assignment - 2
General advice to students:
- I will treat you as professionals and will expect you to function professionally.
- Work hard from the beginning of the semester. This is a fast paced course and many students
usually struggle to keep up if they miss material initially.
- Do not miss classes. Being regular to class keeps you involved in the course. Otherwise there can be a sense of disconnect.
- Work constantly at your assignment problems. solving them will definitely elevate your
your level knowledge and self-confidence.
- Discuss the course topics and problems with your Friends and classmates.
- I am prepared to discuss with you any problems and issues. I encourage you to come to my office
and discuss. But please do fix an appointment by email before you come.
- I check my email a couple of times in a day. But I get a large number of emails everyday and
I will be able to get back to you only within a day or two.
- Electromagnetism deals with vector fields and the equations are necessarily more complex than
those dealing with a scalar field. Thus, you may often get lost in the maths, but do not get overawed by the equations and switch off. Constantly chewing at the equations will eventually get you through.
Any of the equations can eventually be worked out component by component in Cartesian coordinates, if all else fails.
- Try to maximize learning in this course. The best scientists are not necessarily the ones who got the best grades in college. But they are the ones that understood the problems they solved and thought creatively subsequently about them.
- Finally, as teachers, we can only create a conducive environment and process for you to learn. But proper learning only results from your own efforts.
BACK TO ANANTHA'S HOME-PAGE