Study information

Electromagnetism and Quantum Mechanics - 2024 entry

MODULE TITLEElectromagnetism and Quantum Mechanics CREDIT VALUE15
MODULE CODEPHY3055 MODULE CONVENERDr Eros Mariani (Coordinator)
DURATION: TERM 1 2 3
DURATION: WEEKS 11
Number of Students Taking Module (anticipated) 60
DESCRIPTION - summary of the module content
This module is taken by BSc students in stage 3. It develops students' knowledge of electromagnetism, quantum mechanics and illustrates the aspects in common and relationships between the two areas. It builds on the Stage 2 core modules PHY2021 (Electromagnetism I) and PHY2022 (Quantum Mechanics I). The starting point is the Maxwell equations introduced in PHY2021, which are manipulated to obtain the electromagnetic wave equation and the form of the solutions.
 
The dielectric and magnetic properties of atoms and materials are considered from both a classical and quantum perspective, with emphasis on the frequency dependence of their real and imaginary components, and the consequences for wave propagation. Wave propagation at interfaces between dissimilar materials is considered, leading to derivation of Fresnel reflection and transmission coefficients. Methods of guiding electromagnetic waves of different frequency by transmission lines, waveguides and optical fibers are discussed and this knowledge, along with the theory of quantum transitions is used to understand maser and laser operation.
 
This is a core module for BSc Physics programmes and is supported by BSc Stage 3 tutorials.
AIMS - intentions of the module

The module aims to develop students' understanding of quantum mechanics and Maxwell's equations and their applications including some advanced topics, fomalism and applications to the point where they will be able to engage with contemporary research literature. Students will gain an in-depth understanding number of interesting physical phenomena that are important in a wide variety of areas and in many key technologies.

INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES (ILOs) (see assessment section below for how ILOs will be assessed)
 
A student who has passed this module should be able to:
 
Module Specific Skills and Knowledge:
1. describe the fundamental aspects of electromagnetism;
2. explain and solve problems involving the magnetic and/or dielectric properties of materials;
3. explain some aspects of the interaction of electromagnetic radiation with matter;
4. calculate the effect of such interactions using appropriate vector mathematics;
5. solve problems requiring application of Maxwell's equations to a variety of situations as outlined in the syllabus below;
6. formulate, and evaluate, the solutions to a variety of perturbed and multi-electron quantum mechanical systems;
7. calculate energy shifts, transition probabilities (and rates) and cross-sections;
 
Discipline Specific Skills and Knowledge:
8. use vector analysis to solve problems in science and engineering;
9. use matrix concepts to solve QM problems;
10. use mathematics to solve problems;
11. present and defend their solutions to problems to their tutorial group;
 
Personal and Key Transferable / Employment Skills and Knowledge:
12. develop and present a coherent solution to a problem;
13. self-evaluate, check and correct solutions to problems;
14. undertake co-operative learning by discussing the contents of the module amongst themselves;
15. make informal presentations of technical material;
16. work independently in order to meet deadlines.

 

SYLLABUS PLAN - summary of the structure and academic content of the module
I. ELECTROMAGNETISM
  1. Maxwell's Equations and Electromagnetic Waves
    • Maxwell's equations for the electromagnetic field and constitutive equations
    • The equation of continuity
    • Electromagnetic plane waves in an insulating isotropic medium
    • Polarization, momentum and energy, the Poynting vector
    • Scalar and vector potentials
    • Gauge invariance, the Coulomb and Lorentz gauges
  2. Electromagnetic materials
    • Classical description of atomic polarisability, dispersion
    • Metals and the skin effect
    • Diamagnetism, paramagnetism and ferromagnetics: general concepts
    • Langevin (classical) theory of paramagnetism and electron paramagnetism
    • M–B loops
  3. Electromagnetic waves at boundaries and guiding waves
    • Examples of metallic waveguides: cylindrical, rectangular
    • Coaxial cables and distributed impedance: the Telegrapher's equations
    • Fresnel's equations and their optical consequences
II. QUANTUM MECHANICS
  1. Heisenberg's Approach to Quantum Mechanics
    • Matrix elements for a quantum harmonic oscillator
    • Electron spin and Pauli matrices
  2. Few-Particle Systems
    • Bose and Fermi particles, the Pauli principle
    • Two-electron system: spin addition and exchange interaction
  3. Structure of Many-Electron Atoms
    • Electron shells
    • Hund's rules,
    • The role of spin-orbit interaction
    • LS coupling scheme.
    • Zeeman effect in many-electron atoms
  4. Quantum Transitions
    • Perturbation theory
    • Fermi's golden rule formula
    • Rate of spontaneous emission
    • The ruby laser
 
LEARNING AND TEACHING
LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS (given in hours of study time)
Scheduled Learning & Teaching Activities 25 Guided Independent Study 125 Placement / Study Abroad
DETAILS OF LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS
Category Hours of study time Description
Scheduled learning & teaching activities 20 hours 20×1-hour lectures
Scheduled learning & teaching activities 2 hours 2×1-hour problems/revision classes
Scheduled learning & teaching activities 3 hours 3×1-hour tutorials
Guided independent study 30 hours 5×6-hour self-study packages
Guided independent study 16 hours 4×4-hour problem sets
Guided independent study 79 hours Reading, private study and revision

 

ASSESSMENT
FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT - for feedback and development purposes; does not count towards module grade
Form of Assessment Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length) ILOs Assessed Feedback Method
Guided self-study (0%) 5×6-hour packages (fortnightly) 1-10 Discussion in tutorials
4 × Problems sets (0%) 4 hours per set (fortnightly) 1-10 Solutions discussed in problems classes.
       
       
       

 

SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT (% of credit)
Coursework 0 Written Exams 100 Practical Exams
DETAILS OF SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT
Form of Assessment % of Credit Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length) ILOs Assessed Feedback Method
Final Examination 100% 2 hours 30 minutes (January) 1-10 Mark via MyExeter, collective feedback via ELE and solutions.
         
         
         
         

 

DETAILS OF RE-ASSESSMENT (where required by referral or deferral)
Original Form of Assessment Form of Re-assessment ILOs Re-assessed Time Scale for Re-assessment
Whole module Written examination (100%) 1-10 August/September assessment period

Re-assessment is not available except when required by referral or deferral.

RE-ASSESSMENT NOTES
An original assessment that is based on both examination and coursework, tests, etc., is considered as a single element for the purpose of referral; i.e., the referred mark is based on the referred examination only, discounting all previous marks. In the event that the mark for a referred assessment is lower than that of the original assessment, the original higher mark will be retained.
 
Physics Modules with PHY Codes
Referred examinations will only be available in PHY3064, PHYM004 and those other modules for which the original assessment includes an examination component - this information is given in individual module descriptors.
RESOURCES
INDICATIVE LEARNING RESOURCES - The following list is offered as an indication of the type & level of
information that you are expected to consult. Further guidance will be provided by the Module Convener
ELE:
 

Reading list for this module:

Type Author Title Edition Publisher Year ISBN
Set Griffiths, D. J. Introduction to Electrodynamics 4th Pearson Education 2014 978-0-321-85656-2
Set Rae, A.I.M. Quantum Mechanics 5th edition Chapman and Hall 2007 1-584-88970-5
Extended Eisberg, R.M. and R. Resnick Quantum Physics of Atoms Molecules Solids Nuclei and Particles Wiley 1974 0-471-23464-8
Extended Kittel, C. Introduction to Solid State Physics 8th edition Wiley 2005 978-0-471-41526-8
Extended McMurry, S.M. Quantum Mechanics Addison-Wesley 1994 0-201-54439-3
Extended Open University Science Foundation Course Team Quantum Mechanics: An introduction Open University 1988
Extended Open University SM355 Course Team Quantum Mechanics: Units 12-14 Open University 1986
Extended Open University SM355 Course Team Quantum Mechanics: Units 15-16 Open University 1986
Extended Park, D. Introduction to the Quantum Theory 2nd edition McGraw-Hill 1974
Extended Pauling, L. and E. B. Wilson Introduction to Quantum Mechanics McGraw-Hill 1935
Extended Reitz, J. R., F. J. Milford and R. W. Christy Foundations of Electromagnetic Theory 4th edition Addison-Wesley 1993 0-201-52624-7
CREDIT VALUE 15 ECTS VALUE 7.5
PRE-REQUISITE MODULES PHY2021, PHY2022
CO-REQUISITE MODULES
NQF LEVEL (FHEQ) 6 AVAILABLE AS DISTANCE LEARNING No
ORIGIN DATE Wednesday 13th March 2024 LAST REVISION DATE Wednesday 13th March 2024
KEY WORDS SEARCH Physics; Maxwell's equations; Electromagnetic fields; Radiation; Properties of matter; Waves; Dirac notation; Energy; Eigenvalues; Eigenstates; Atomic structure; Observables; Particles; Perturbation theory; Quantum mechanics; Schrödinger equation; Time.

Please note that all modules are subject to change, please get in touch if you have any questions about this module.