Electricity and magnetism are familiar phenomena, but they are not independent. In this module, you’ll discover how a single consistent theory known as electromagnetism unifies electricity and magnetism – one of the most outstanding achievements of classical physics. You’ll learn about Maxwell’s equations and how they describe the fundamental physics of electromagnetism using the mathematical language of vector calculus. Additionally, you’ll study the application of these equations to understand electric and magnetic fields in the world around us, including phenomena such as light. Along the way, you’ll gain an appreciation for the role of symmetry in physics.
What you will study
This module will give you a detailed understanding of the theory of electromagnetism, which is one of the cornerstones of classical physics and an example of a classical field theory. You’ll develop an understanding of a wide range of physical phenomena, from the behaviour of light to the electrical and magnetic properties of materials. In addition, you’ll develop your ability to apply advanced physics concepts and mathematical techniques (such as vector calculus) to describe aspects of the physical world and find quantitative answers to problems.
The module website will guide your learning. The website will explain the tasks you should complete in a particular week, including:
- studying written material
- completing self-assessment quizzes
- watching videos about real-world applications of electromagnetism
- carrying out online experiments.
The module is accompanied by two books. Each book chapter complements a particular week of study.
Book 1
The first book concentrates on fundamental aspects of the theory of classical electromagnetism. It explains the concepts of electric and magnetic fields and how they are related through Maxwell’s four equations (Gauss’s law, the no Monopole law, the Ampère–Maxwell law and Faraday’s law) and the Lorentz force law. It describes how the properties of electric and magnetic fields follow from the consistent theory formed by these equations and how to use these equations to understand physical situations. This book also contains brief revision material on the relevant mathematical concepts from Mathematical methods, models and modelling (MST210) / Mathematical methods (MST224). You’ll learn how to use these mathematical techniques to describe and explain electromagnetic phenomena.
Book 2
The second book starts by showing how the presence of matter modifies electric and magnetic fields and describes the tools and techniques needed to determine the behaviour of electromagnetic fields in such cases. The middle part of the book concerns electromagnetic energy and currents, particularly alternating current (ac) circuits containing electric and magnetic components. The last part of the book develops the theory of electromagnetic waves (including light) and the electromagnetic spectrum. It explains the propagation of electromagnetic waves in vacuum and their behaviour in matter, including the phenomena of reflection, refraction, dispersion and absorption.
Vocational relevance
This module will develop your problem-solving abilities in physical sciences and improve your mathematical and communication skills. The opportunity to perform a remote experiment and engage in group work is particularly relevant to how scientific investigations are increasingly carried out. These skills are useful in roles requiring a precise and quantitative approach. The learning objectives of Electromagnetism (SM381) are to develop core skills and competencies in problem-solving, communication, collaboration, numeracy and digital literacy. Personal attributes and behaviours developed will include initiative, self-management, resilience and self-confidence.
Entry
There are no formal entry requirements for this module.
At The Open University, we believe education should be open to all, so we provide high-quality university education to anyone who wishes to realise their ambitions and fulfil their potential.
Even though there are no entry requirements, this is a mathematical module that requires you to be confident using partial differentiation, multiple integrals, vector calculus and complex numbers. Therefore, we recommend you’ve achieved a good pass in either of the following modules:
Are you ready for SM381?
Teaching and assessment
Support from your tutor
Throughout your module studies, you’ll get help and support from your assigned module tutor. They’ll help you by:
- Marking your assignments (TMAs) and providing detailed feedback for you to improve.
- Guiding you to additional learning resources.
- Providing individual guidance, whether that’s for general study skills or specific module content.
- Facilitating online discussions between your fellow students, in the dedicated module and tutor group forums.
Module tutors also run online tutorials throughout the module. Where possible, recordings of online tutorials will be made available to students. While these tutorials won’t be compulsory for you to complete the module, you’re strongly encouraged to take part.
Assessment
The assessment details for this module can be found in the facts box.