Module – Electricity, Magnetism and Light

FHEQ Level: Level 4 (First Year)
Credits: 20
Module Code: F300 10037
Course Reference Number (CRN): 59403
Delivery: September Start, Trimesters 1&2 (Long Thin)

Syllabus Outline

• Electric current, voltage and resistance
• Electrical circuits and circuit networks
• Semiconductors
• Semiconductor Devices
• Electric Fields
• Capacitors and dielectrics
• Magnetic fields
• Electromagnetic Induction
• Inductors
• Alternating current
• Electromagnetic waves
• Ray optics

Assessment

Coursework: Assignment 1, 50%
Coursework: Assignment 2, 50%
More detailed information may be found in the Assessments section.

Texts

Principles of Physics, 10th Edition International Student Version, Haliday, Resnick and Walker, (2014) John Wiley & Sons ISBN-10 : 1118230744

University Physics with Modern Physics, 14th Edition Global Edition; Young and Freedman (2019) Pearson ISBN-10 : 1292314737

Further updates and supplementary texts may be found in the University Reading Lists system.

Description

You will learn about the physical laws associated with electricity and magnetism and how the motion of charged particles is governed by electric and magnetic fields, the properties of electromagnetic waves will be introduced. The module is taught by a combination of lectures and interactive workshop.

Aims

​1. You will develop a knowledge of the main ideas underpinning electricity, magnetism and light, including the origin and limitation of the associated laws
2. You will develop techniques for describing and analysing the behaviour of electric circuits networks and an understanding of the application of semiconductors to p-n junction devices including diodes, transistors and photovoltaic cells.
3. You will develop an understanding of the mathematical techniques associated with the description and analysis of electric and magnetic fields.
4. You will develop an understanding of electromagnetic induction and alternating currents
5. You will be able to use ray optics to determine the role of thin lenses and mirrors in image formation.

Knowledge & Understanding

On successful completion of this module, you will be able to:

1. Demonstrate an understanding of the laws and their origins in the area of electricity, magnetism and light.
2. Apply conceptional reasoning to predicting the behaviour of electrical and magnetic systems.
3. Apply the ideas of electricity to circuit network design and semiconductor technology.
4. Apply the principles of electric and magnetic fields to the solution of a given problems, including a reasoning of assumptions, approximations and limitations.

Learning, Teaching and Assessment

Teaching will be conducted via short lectures covering basic principles and applications. Each lecture will be paired with a workshop where group-based problem-solving exercises will be facilitated under guided supervision and discussion. This approach is designed to promote the development of problem-solving skills through peer discussion, reasoning and decision making. Verbal feedback will be given in the workshops guide and challenge the students.

Two summative assignments will be given, one in each teaching trimester. The assignments will test the students problem-solving skills in addition to how they are able to communicate their justification of methodology and reasoning.

Two formative assignments will be given each semester, comprising shorter problem-solving exercises, which will enable students to receive feedback on how they have approached the problems and suggestions for improvement.