Learning objectives
Providing to second-year students in Physics the understanding of the most important facts and physical laws concerning electromagnetism and optics. The experimental method will give this understanding starting from experimental results and from mathematical methods. The most relevant physical theories will be learned in terms of logical and mathematical structure, experimental evidences and physical phenomena.
Knowledge and understanding:
At the end of this course the student should know the basic phenomena of the classical electromagnetism and the underlying physical laws. Moreover, he should be able to resolve problems on the subjects treated
in the theory lectures.
Applying knowledge and understanding:
The student should be able to analyze the electromagnetic phenomena and to interpret them on the basis of the mathematical formulation of the physical laws.
Making judgments:
By the end of the course, the student should be able to understand the physical phenomena of the electromagnetism.
Communication skills:
The student should be able to clearly present the basic concepts of electromagnetism and their consequences on observable phenomena.
Learning skills:
The student should have acquired the learning skills related to electromagnetism, which are necessary to undertake successive studies with a high degree of autonomy.
Prerequisites
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Course unit content
Electrostatics and magnetostatics in vacuum and in materials. Electrodynamics. Electromagnetic waves. Wave optics. Fundamental concepts of special relativity.
Full programme
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Bibliography
- C. Mencuccini e V. Silvestrini: Fisica II (Elettromagnetismo-Ottica). Liguori Ed.
- R. Caciuffo e S. Melone, “Fisica Generale”, Vol. 2, Masson, Milano
- R. P. Feynman, R. B. Leighton, M. Sands: The Feynman Lectures on Physics,
vol 2
- Halliday, Resnick, Krane, Fisica 2, Casa Ed. Ambrosiana.
Teaching methods
Frontal lectures and exercises
Assessment methods and criteria
The evaluation is based on three partial written tests during the course, or, alternatively, on a single final written test, and a final oral examination. To be admitted to the oral examination, the average mark of the partial written tests, or the mark of the final written test, must be at least 13/30.
These partial tests (duration 2 hours) contain two problems and focus on the capability of applying
the concepts discussed during the lectures. The final test (3 hours) contains three problems. During written tests students can use a calculator and lecture notes. The oral test (duration 1 hour) focuses on the knowledge and understanding of the topics discussed during the lectures. The evaluation of each test is on a scale of 30. The final evaluation for the partial written tests results from the average of the three separate
evaluations. The final mark results from the overall evaluation of the written and oral parts, normally with equal weights. The mark of a written test is normally published within a week on ESSE3. The overall evaluation is communicated to the student immediately after the oral test. The online registration is compulsory both for oral and written tests.
Other information
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