Students
PHYS2020 – Electromagnetism and Relativity
2022 – Session 2, In person-scheduled-weekday, North Ryde
General Information
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| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Unit convenor, lecturer
Mark Wardle
Lecturer
Alex Fuerbach
Lab Demonstrator
Carolyn Taylor
Lab Demonstrator
Thomas Volz
Senior Scientific Officer
Gina Dunford
Senior Scientific Officer
Adam Joyce
Lab Coordinator
Helen Pask
|
|---|---|
| Credit points |
Credit points
10
|
| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
(PHYS201 or PHYS2010) and (MATH235 or MATH2010 or MATH2055)
|
| Corequisites |
Corequisites
MATH236 or MATH232 or MATH2020 or MATH2110
|
| Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
|
| Unit description |
Unit description
The first half of the unit introduces the principles, theory and application of classical electromagnetism, which describes the properties and behaviour of electric and magnetic fields and their interaction with charged matter. Maxwell's four laws of electromagnetism are revisited, in the powerful language of vector calculus. We apply these laws to understand a range of phenomena in electrostatics, magnetostatics and electrodynamics. In the second half of the unit, we introduce the postulates of special relativity and explore their implications for the nature of spacetime. We determine how to refine Newtonian mechanics to be correct in the relativistic limit and show the deep connection between the geometry of spacetime and electromagnetism. Advanced techniques of experimental physics including indirect measurement of microscopic quantities are covered in guided laboratory sessions, as are data analysis techniques and report writing. |
Important Academic Dates
Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
- ULO1: use symmetry arguments to derive electric and magnetic fields from various configurations of charges and currents.
- ULO2: apply differential and integral calculus to scalar and vector fields in cartesian, spherical, and cylindrical coordinates.
- ULO3: solve electromagnetism problems involving constant as well as time dependent electric and magnetic fields.
- ULO4: understand the origin of the transformation laws in special relativity from Einstein’s postulates, and discuss and numerically analyse simple relativistic problems.
- ULO5: safely use experimental equipment to perform specified measurements, and analyse and interpret the results in the context of discipline knowledge.
General Assessment Information
Hurdle requirements This unit has a hurdle requirement, specifying a minimum standard that must be attained in the final exam. To pass this unit you must obtain a mark of at least:
- 50% in the unit overall, as well as
- 40% in the final examination, and
- 40% in each individual laboratory activity.
In addition, you must also submit a minimum of 7 regular quizzes.
Final Exam Important information regarding the final exam:
If you receive special consideration for the final exam, a supplementary exam will be scheduled after the end of the normal exam period. By making a special consideration application for the final exam you are declaring yourself available for a resit during the supplementary examination period and will not be eligible for a second special consideration approval based on pre-existing commitments. Please ensure you are familiar with the policy prior to submitting an application. Approved applicants will receive an individual notification one week prior to the exam with the exact date and time of their supplementary examination.
If your mark in the final examination is between 30% and 39% inclusive, you may be a given a second and final chance to attain the required level of performance; the mark awarded for the second exam towards your final unit mark will be capped at 40%, and you will be allowed to sit the second exam only if this mark would be sufficient to pass the unit overall. If you are given a second opportunity to sit the final examination as a result of failing to meet the minimum mark required, you will be offered that chance during the same supplementary examination period and will be notified of the exact day and time after the publication of final results for the unit.
From 1 July 2022, Students enrolled in Session based units with written assessments will have the following late penalty applied. Please see https://students.mq.edu.au/study/assessment-exams/assessments for more information.
Unless a Special Consideration request has been submitted and approved, a 5% penalty (of the total possible mark) will be applied each day a written assessment is not submitted, up until the 7th day (including weekends). After the 7th day, a grade of '0' will be awarded even if the assessment is submitted. Submission time for all written assessments is set at 11:55 pm. A 1-hour grace period is provided to students who experience a technical concern.
For any late submission of time-sensitive tasks, such as scheduled tests/exams, performance assessments/presentations, and/or scheduled practical assessments/labs, students need to submit an application for Special Consideration.
Assessments where Late Submissions will be accepted
In this unit, late submissions for Lab reports will be accepted, with the Standard Late Penalty applied.
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Hurdle | Due |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular quizzes | 25% | Yes | Weekly |
| Lab reports | 20% | Yes | Fortnightly, detailed schedule posted on iLearn. |
| Readings and peer-discussions | 15% | No | Weekly |
| Final exam | 40% | Yes | Exam period |
Regular quizzes
Assessment Type 1: Quiz/Test
Indicative Time on Task 2: 0 hours
Due: Weekly
Weighting: 25%
This is a hurdle assessment task (see assessment policy for more information on hurdle assessment tasks)
Short- and long-form problem solving questions, taken in SGTA sessions
On successful completion you will be able to:
- use symmetry arguments to derive electric and magnetic fields from various configurations of charges and currents.
- apply differential and integral calculus to scalar and vector fields in cartesian, spherical, and cylindrical coordinates.
- solve electromagnetism problems involving constant as well as time dependent electric and magnetic fields.
- understand the origin of the transformation laws in special relativity from Einstein’s postulates, and discuss and numerically analyse simple relativistic problems.
Lab reports
Assessment Type 1: Lab report
Indicative Time on Task 2: 24 hours
Due: Fortnightly, detailed schedule posted on iLearn.
Weighting: 20%
This is a hurdle assessment task (see assessment policy for more information on hurdle assessment tasks)
Laboratory-related tasks, analysis, and reporting
On successful completion you will be able to:
- safely use experimental equipment to perform specified measurements, and analyse and interpret the results in the context of discipline knowledge.
Readings and peer-discussions
Assessment Type 1: Participatory task
Indicative Time on Task 2: 18 hours
Due: Weekly
Weighting: 15%
Preclass reading, annotation, and peer discussion using the Perusall tool
On successful completion you will be able to:
- use symmetry arguments to derive electric and magnetic fields from various configurations of charges and currents.
- apply differential and integral calculus to scalar and vector fields in cartesian, spherical, and cylindrical coordinates.
- solve electromagnetism problems involving constant as well as time dependent electric and magnetic fields.
- understand the origin of the transformation laws in special relativity from Einstein’s postulates, and discuss and numerically analyse simple relativistic problems.
Final exam
Assessment Type 1: Examination
Indicative Time on Task 2: 20 hours
Due: Exam period
Weighting: 40%
This is a hurdle assessment task (see assessment policy for more information on hurdle assessment tasks)
Final exam in the University Examination period.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- use symmetry arguments to derive electric and magnetic fields from various configurations of charges and currents.
- apply differential and integral calculus to scalar and vector fields in cartesian, spherical, and cylindrical coordinates.
- solve electromagnetism problems involving constant as well as time dependent electric and magnetic fields.
- understand the origin of the transformation laws in special relativity from Einstein’s postulates, and discuss and numerically analyse simple relativistic problems.
1 If you need help with your assignment, please contact:
- the academic teaching staff in your unit for guidance in understanding or completing this type of assessment
- the Writing Centre for academic skills support.
2 Indicative time-on-task is an estimate of the time required for completion of the assessment task and is subject to individual variation
Delivery and Resources
All activities -- lectures, tutorials and laboratories will be delivered in-person, on campus.
Policies and Procedures
Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au). Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:
- Academic Appeals Policy
- Academic Integrity Policy
- Academic Progression Policy
- Assessment Policy
- Fitness to Practice Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Complaints Resolution Procedure for Students and Members of the Public
- Special Consideration Policy
Students seeking more policy resources can visit Student Policies (https://students.mq.edu.au/support/study/policies). It is your one-stop-shop for the key policies you need to know about throughout your undergraduate student journey.
To find other policies relating to Teaching and Learning, visit Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au) and use the search tool.
Student Code of Conduct
Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/admin/other-resources/student-conduct
Results
Results published on platform other than eStudent, (eg. iLearn, Coursera etc.) or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit ask.mq.edu.au or if you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@mq.edu.au
Academic Integrity
At Macquarie, we believe academic integrity – honesty, respect, trust, responsibility, fairness and courage – is at the core of learning, teaching and research. We recognise that meeting the expectations required to complete your assessments can be challenging. So, we offer you a range of resources and services to help you reach your potential, including free online writing and maths support, academic skills development and wellbeing consultations.
Student Support
Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/
The Writing Centre
The Writing Centre provides resources to develop your English language proficiency, academic writing, and communication skills.
- Workshops
- Chat with a WriteWISE peer writing leader
- Access StudyWISE
- Upload an assignment to Studiosity
- Complete the Academic Integrity Module
The Library provides online and face to face support to help you find and use relevant information resources.
Student Services and Support
Macquarie University offers a range of Student Support Services including:
- IT Support
- Accessibility and disability support with study
- Mental health support
- Safety support to respond to bullying, harassment, sexual harassment and sexual assault
- Social support including information about finances, tenancy and legal issues
Student Enquiries
Got a question? Ask us via AskMQ, or contact Service Connect.
IT Help
For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://www.mq.edu.au/about_us/offices_and_units/information_technology/help/.
When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use of IT Resources Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.
Changes since First Published
| Date | Description |
|---|---|
| 19/07/2022 | Added Helen Pask (Lab Coordinator) to staff list. |
Unit information based on version 2022.03 of the Handbook