2025/26 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

PHAS2040 Electromagnetism

Module manager: Dr Michael Ries
Email: M.E.Ries@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2025/26

Pre-requisite qualifications

Level 1 Physics

Pre-requisites

PHAS1000 First Year Physics Assessment

Co-requisites

PHAS2000 2nd year Physics Assessment
PHAS2010 Quantum Mechanics
PHAS2020 Statistical Mechanics and Computation
PHAS2030 Condensed Matter Physics

Module replaces

PHYS2300

This module is not approved as a discovery module

Module summary

This module covers fundamental physics theories and associated mathematical concepts that underpin the topic of electromagnetism. Emphasizing the transition from classical to quantum logic, students will explore quantum gates, algorithms, and the potential applications of quantum computing.

Objectives

During this module students will learn to apply vector calculus and Maxwell's equations to model and predict the behaviour of the electromagnetic field in various situations, including calculation of the forces and energy in a system due to its electromagnetic field. In addition, students will analyse simple AC circuits containing resistors, capacitors and inductors, apply logic principles to real-world scenarios in electronics and emerging technologies and have the knowledge and skills needed to navigate the evolving landscape of electronic systems, from classical to quantum.

As part of this module students will also consider future career plans, and complete a CV, LinkedIn profile and job application forms.

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of the module students will be able to demonstrate knowledge, understanding and application of the following:

1. Electric and Magnetic fields, Biot-Savart law for a point charge and Lorentz force;
2. Maxwells Equations both microscopic and macroscopic;
3. Electric and Magnetic potential, Poisson’s equation;
4. Wave equation, EM waves, EM Spectrum and the Poynting vector;
5. AC circuits (LCR), complex impedance, transients, resonance.
6. Understand the properties and applications of operational amplifiers.
7. Apply logic principles to real-world scenarios in electronics and emerging technologies
8. Students will also be able to create a CV, LinkedIn profile and job applications.

Skills Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes:

a. Solve complex physics problems
b. Use appropriate mathematics to solve problems
c. Plan for their future career
d. Manage time to meet deadlines

Syllabus

1. Vector calculus, including div, grad and curl operators
2. Stokes’s Theorem and divergence theorem
3. Electric and Magnetic fields, Biot-Savart law for a point charge and Lorentz force;
4. Maxwell’s Equations both microscopic and macroscopic;
5. Electric and Magnetic potential, Poisson’s equation;
6. Wave equation, EM waves, EM Spectrum and the Poynting vector;
7. AC circuits (LCR), complex impedance, transients, resonance.
8. Understand the properties and applications of operational amplifiers.
9. Apply logic principles to real-world scenarios in electronics and emerging technologies

Methods of assessment
The assessment details for this module will be provided at the start of the academic year

Teaching Methods

Delivery type Number Length hours Student hours
Lecture 50 1 50
Independent online learning hours 44
Private study hours 106
Total Contact hours 50
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) 200

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Feedback through continuous assessment of online quizzes, with automatic feedback.

Reading List

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 30/04/2025

Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team