lassical Electrodynamics - enhanced

Classical electrodynamics describes the physics of electricity, magnetism and electromagnetic waves (light). At the core are Maxwell’s laws, which contain the dynamical relationships between electric fields, magnetic fields, and their sources. It is one of the most profound achievements of the 19th century and its technological applications have dramatically altered the world. This theory unified all electromagnetic phenomena into a single consistent framework and thus inspired, influenced and even guided the systematic development of reasoning and methodology throughout all of physics. It still took many decades for its ideas - of fields being physical objects in their own right, capable of interacting with material bodies, exerting forces and carrying energy and momentum - to reveal their full significance and impact. Ultimately, it was Albert Einstein who realized what classical electrodynamics, if valid, told us about the very nature of space and time, and these insights formed the basis for his theory of relativity. This course will tell the story of electromagnetism from the perspective just sketched. Once one has understood the theory in its modern formulation, insights can be expanded both in the direction of fundamentals of (quantum) field theory in general, and in the direction of practical applications to be derived from Maxwell’s laws.
 
Format
Students prepare for class meetings by reading designated parts of the textbook and working on practice material. In class, instruction will be limited to brief lectures, highlighting key elements and replying to questions raised. Some of the contact hours will be devoted to presentation and discussion of materials that students are working on. Bi-weekly, a certain set of exercises are to be solved by the student at home; this work will be graded. There will be a written closed-book midterm exam. Each student also works on a portfolio of enhanced exercises. Lastly, there will be a written final closed-book exam.