Module Catalogue 2026/27

Pre Requisite Comment

N/A

Co Requisite Comment

N/A

Aims

To enhance the students' knowledge of electromagnetic fields and wave behaviour and how this can be used to describe quasistatic fields, transmission lines and plane waves.

Outline Of Syllabus

Maxwell Equations
Basic vector algebra, definitions of Curl, Div and Grad, review quasi-static fields, Laplace and Poisson equations, continuity equation, derivation of Maxwell’s equations for static and time varying fields. Physical and engineering significance of Maxwell’s equations.

Transmission Lines
Concepts of distributed circuits, derivation of transmission line parameters, attenuation and phase coefficients, characteristic impedance, Standing Wave Ratio (SWR) definition, lossless and lossy lines.

Electromagnetic Waves
Derivation of the wave equation, solution of wave equation for the transverse electromagnetic (TEM) case, plane wave concepts, wavelength, attenuation and phase constants, propagation of waves in lossless and lossy media, polarisation, wave power (Poynting vector), interaction with dielectric and conducting media, and wave reflection and refraction.

Engineering Context
Relevant connections to standards and legislation, e.g. interference and compatibility.

Relevant examples will be provided to reinforce key topics as appropriate.

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

Conceptual and mathematical appreciation of Maxwell's Equations as they relate to quasistatic and time varying fields. Understanding of electromagnetic wave propagation, both guided and in free space, with reference to the underpinning role of Maxwell’s Equations. The theory and application of interaction between waves and media and to be able to relate these to engineering design considerations and function.

The interpretation and applications of Maxwell's equations to the wider physical world including light-matter and transmission lines. To be able to determine a suitable transmission line connection, to apply simple matching techniques.

Intended Skill Outcomes

The interpretation and applications of Maxwell's equations to the wider physical world. The ability to estimate quasi-static fields from circuit parameters. To be able to determine a suitable transmission line connection, to measure line reflections and to apply simple matching techniques. To understand the main design principles of passive RF devices.

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Non-synchronous online materials are used for the delivery of theory and explanation of methods, illustrated with examples, and for giving general feedback on assessed work. Present-in-person and synchronous online sessions are used to help develop the students’ abilities at applying the theory to solving problems and to identify and resolve specific queries raised by students, and to allow students to receive individual feedback on marked work. In addition, office hours/discussion board activity will provide an opportunity for more direct contact between individual students and the lecturer: a typical student might spend a total of one or two hours over the course of the module, either individually or as part of a group.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

A substantial formal examination is appropriate for the assessment of the material in this module. The course assessments will allow the students to develop their problem solving techniques, to practise the methods learnt in the module, to assess their progress and to receive feedback; these assessments have a secondary formative purpose as well as their primary summative purpose.

General Notes

N/A