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Course profile

Fundamentals of Electromagnetism and Electromechanics (ELEC2300)

Study period
Sem 1 2025
Location
St Lucia
Attendance mode
In Person

Course overview

Study period
Semester 1, 2025 (24/02/2025 - 21/06/2025)
Study level
Undergraduate
Location
St Lucia
Attendance mode
In Person
Units
2
Administrative campus
St Lucia
Coordinating unit
Elec Engineering & Comp Science School

This course covers fundamental principles of electromagnetism, rotating electrical machines and power transformers. The course is intended to link underlying physics of electromagnetic fields to the operation of electrical machines. The learning activities include problem-based learning, circuit analysis and laboratory experiments.

In this course each student will complete five laboratory sessions covering electrostatics, magnetism, electromagnetism, AC power and transformers. Lectures are conducted in a studio environment and students are able to work as a small group during the in-class problem solving sessions. Each week students will attend a 2-hour tutorial session where number of questions related to the content offered during the lectures are further discussed. Tutorial submissions are based on the problems resolved during the lectures and tutorials sessions.

In the first part of the course fundamentals of electrostatics, magnetism and electromagnetism are covered. In the second half of the course AC analysis and application of electromagnetism are discussed.

Course requirements

Assumed background

Fundamental knowledge of circuit elements, AC circuits from first year electrical engineering. Mathematical knowledge of matrices, differential equations and complex numbers.

Prerequisites

You'll need to complete the following courses before enrolling in this one:

ENGG1300 and (MATH1051 or MATH1071) and (MATH1052 or MATH1072) and (PHYS1171 OR High School Physics)

Incompatible

You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:

ELEC2003

Course contact

Course staff

Course coordinator

Lecturer

Timetable

The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.

Aims and outcomes

On completing this course students will:

  • understand central concepts in electric fields, magnetic fields, electromagnetism, electromechanics and ac circuits
  • be able to solve a range of numerical problems involving these concepts
  • be capable of linking the underlying theory to engineering applications
  • be able to use their problem-solving skills in other scientific and engineering areas
  • develop skills in experimental work and analysing experimental data.

Learning outcomes

After successfully completing this course you should be able to:

LO1.

Explain the key concepts of electric and magnetic fields.

LO2.

Describe the fundamental concepts of electromagnetic induction

LO3.

Examine magnetic circuit concepts and their applications to analyse the magnetic circuits

LO4.

Describe and apply the principles of electromagnetic induction in Electro-mechanics

LO5.

Demonstrate the basic principles and applications of Alternating Current systems

LO6.

Analyse passive electric circuits stimulated by an AC source.

LO7.

Conduct tests on passive AC circuits, assessing the contribution of passive elements for the power factor of the circuit.

Assessment

Assessment summary

Category Assessment task Weight Due date
Practical/ Demonstration Prac Reports during Lab sessions
  • Identity Verified
  • In-person
20%

Week 2 - Week 12

During the lab session.

Venue 50 - S105

Tutorial/ Problem Set Tutorials 15%

Tutorial submission 1 11/04/2025 3:00 pm

Tutorial submission 2 23/05/2025 3:00 pm

More information is available through blackboard

Examination In-semester exam - Invigilated closed book
  • Hurdle
  • Identity Verified
  • In-person
30%

2/05/2025 6:00 pm

Exam duration is 90 min.

Venues 50-T203 and 49-200

Examination End of Semester Exam - Invigilated closed book
  • Hurdle
  • Identity Verified
  • In-person
35%

End of Semester Exam Period

7/06/2025 - 21/06/2025

A hurdle is an assessment requirement that must be satisfied in order to receive a specific grade for the course. Check the assessment details for more information about hurdle requirements.

Assessment details

Prac Reports during Lab sessions

  • Identity Verified
  • In-person
Mode
Activity/ Performance, Written
Category
Practical/ Demonstration
Weight
20%
Due date

Week 2 - Week 12

During the lab session.

Venue 50 - S105

Other conditions
Time limited.

See the conditions definitions

Learning outcomes
L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07

Task description

Five lab sessions will be conducted during the semester. There are no regular lab sessions in weeks 1, 8 and 13. The first lab session is unmarked. Marks are equally distributed among the last four labs. Please note that this will not have any impact on the set learning outcomes.

When attending the labs each student must bring a hard copy of the worksheet. If prelab work is given for a particular lab that work needs to be completed before attending the particular lab session. Labs are three hours in duration. Students are expected to be able to complete the assigned work in the first two hours. In the last hour, course staff will provide feedback. All lab work is assessed individually.

Performance in the lab session will be assessed using a combination of completing prelab questions, active participation and performance in the lab, and completed lab sheet including recorded results and discussions. At the end of each session course staff will mark the lab sheets and provide feedback. Hence, good preparation is required for a good outcome in each lab session.

As lab sessions are designed to complete within the set time limit, NO STUDENT can enter the lab 20 minutes after the start time of each lab session.

Students are required to present their student ID when submitting the reports at the end of the session.

This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT). Students are advised that the use of AI or MT technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.

Submission guidelines

Individual hardcopy submission during the lab session.

Deferral or extension

You cannot defer or apply for an extension for this assessment.

Practical reports are completed as part of a scheduled practical class.

If there are exceptional circumstances, an exemption may be approved and may involve submitting/discussing your work as it stands. Exemptions must be requested as an extension with a note specifying exemption via my.UQ. If you are unable to attend a scheduled lab session for a valid reason a formal request has to be submitted. Due to logistic issues, up to a maximum of one week will be provided for rescheduling the labs.  

Late submission

You will receive a mark of 0 if this assessment is submitted late.

If report is not submitted during the lab session no marks will be offered for the corresponding lab.

Tutorials

Mode
Written
Category
Tutorial/ Problem Set
Weight
15%
Due date

Tutorial submission 1 11/04/2025 3:00 pm

Tutorial submission 2 23/05/2025 3:00 pm

More information is available through blackboard

Learning outcomes
L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06

Task description

Two tutorial submissions will be marked for this part of the assessment. Assignments for submissions will be available on Blackboard in weeks 2 and 7 correspondingly. Submission due dates will be as per below:

  • Tutorial submission 1 - Due by 11th April 3:00 pm. 
  • Tutorial submission 2 - Due by 23rd May 3:00 pm. 

All submissions are collected through blackboard. These tutorial exercises will be worth 15 marks. The assignments are equally weighted. The assignment problems will be a similar style and structure to those in the mid and final semester exams. Please make use of the help available to you in the tutorials, discussion board and consultation time.

Tutorial submission solutions should be developed as an individual task. Students are encouraged to discuss the tasks with peers and teaching staff. However, copying the solutions from another student/s or any other sources is not allowed and will be considered student misconduct. 

This assessment task evaluates students' abilities, skills and knowledge without the aid of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT). Students are advised that the use of AI or MT technologies to develop responses is strictly prohibited and may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.

If required an extension can be requested for this assessment. Instructions for how to formally submit extension requests is available here. Extension requests sent directly to Course Coordinators in the School of EECS will not be considered. 

Submission guidelines

Through the TurnItIn link provided in Blackboard

Deferral or extension

You may be able to apply for an extension.

The maximum extension allowed is 7 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.

This course uses a progressive assessment approach where feedback and/or detailed solutions will be released to students within 14 days.

Late submission

A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.

In-semester exam - Invigilated closed book

  • Hurdle
  • Identity Verified
  • In-person
Mode
Written
Category
Examination
Weight
30%
Due date

2/05/2025 6:00 pm

Exam duration is 90 min.

Venues 50-T203 and 49-200

Other conditions
Time limited.

See the conditions definitions

Learning outcomes
L01, L02, L03, L04

Task description

Mid semester exam will be an invigilated closed book exam to be scheduled in week 9. The exam duration will be 90 min. Content covered up to the end of week 6 is assessed through this invigilated exam. More information about exam format will be discussed during the class time. Exam will be conducted in rooms 50-T203 and 49-200.

Hurdle requirements

Combined marks of in-semester and end-semester exams have a 40% hurdle.

Exam details

Planning time 10 minutes
Duration 90 minutes
Calculator options

(In person) Casio FX82 series only or UQ approved and labelled calculator

Open/closed book Closed Book examination - no written materials permitted
Exam platform Paper based
Invigilation

Invigilated in person

Submission guidelines

Deferral or extension

You may be able to defer this exam.

End of Semester Exam - Invigilated closed book

  • Hurdle
  • Identity Verified
  • In-person
Mode
Written
Category
Examination
Weight
35%
Due date

End of Semester Exam Period

7/06/2025 - 21/06/2025

Other conditions
Time limited.

See the conditions definitions

Learning outcomes
L03, L04, L05, L06

Task description

The final exam will be invigilated closed book and will assess materials presented from week 7 onwards. The exam duration will be 120 min. More information about the exam format will be discussed during the class time. 

Hurdle requirements

Combined marks of in-semester and end-semester exams have a 40% hurdle.

Exam details

Planning time 10 minutes
Duration 120 minutes
Calculator options

(In person) Casio FX82 series only or UQ approved and labelled calculator

Open/closed book Closed Book examination - no written materials permitted
Exam platform Paper based
Invigilation

Invigilated in person

Submission guidelines

Deferral or extension

You may be able to defer this exam.

Course grading

Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.

Grade Cut off Percent Description
1 (Low Fail) 0 - 19

Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes.

2 (Fail) 20 - 46

Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes.

3 (Marginal Fail) 47 - 49

Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes

4 (Pass) 50 - 64

Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes.

5 (Credit) 65 - 74

Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes.

6 (Distinction) 75 - 84

Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes.

7 (High Distinction) 85 - 100

Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes.

Additional course grading information

Conditions to pass this course:

To pass this course students must achieve a) at least 40% for the combined marks of in-semester and final exams and b) 50% of the overall course marks. Even though total marks is over 50, the course grade is capped at 3 when the combined marks of in-semester and final exam hurdle is not achieved.ᅠᅠ

Your overall mark will be rounded to the nearest whole number. Half marks will be rounded up.

Supplementary assessment

Supplementary assessment is available for this course.

Additional assessment information

Having Troubles?

If you are having difficulties with any aspect of the course material, you should seek help. Speak to course staff and/or the course coordinator.

If external circumstances are affecting your ability to work on the course, you should seek help as soon as possible. The University and UQ Union have organisations and staff who are able to help, for example, UQ Student Services are able to help with study and exam skills, tertiary learning skills, writing skills, financial assistance, personal issues, and disability services (among other things).

Complaints and criticisms should be directed in the first instance to the course coordinator. If you are not satisfied with the outcome, you may bring the matter to the attention of the School of EECS Director of Teaching and Learning.

Learning resources

You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.

Library resources

Find the required and recommended resources for this course on the UQ Library website.

Learning activities

The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.

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Learning period Activity type Topic
Multiple weeks

From Week 1 To Week 13
(24 Feb - 01 Jun)

General contact hours

Problem solving

Problem solving sessions are conducted in small groups. More information will be available through Blackboard.


Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06

Week 1

(24 Feb - 02 Mar)

Lecture

Introduction

Course outline

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05

Lecture

Essential tools: field and potential.

Coulomb's law, Electric field, Electrical potential, Connecting potential and field, Gauss's law, Conductors in electrostatic equilibrium

Readings: eBook

Learning outcomes: L01

Multiple weeks

From Week 2 To Week 13
(03 Mar - 01 Jun)

Practical

Laboratory modules

Five Lab sessions are conducted throughout the semester. Students are required to attend the sessions scheduled for them in the timetable. More information will be available through Blackboard course site.

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06, L07

Week 2

(03 Mar - 09 Mar)

Lecture

Capacitance and Dielectrics.

Electric dipoles, parallel-plate capacitors, capacitance, dielectric and electric susceptibility

Readings: Hambley (Chapter 3); eBook; Boylestad (Chapter 10); Nilsson&Riedel (Chapter 6)

Learning outcomes: L01

Week 3

(10 Mar - 16 Mar)

Lecture

Magnetic forces and fields

Magnetic fields and forces, motion of charged particles in magnetic fields, Magnetic forces on current-carrying wires, Electric Motors

Readings: Hambley (Chapter 15); eBook

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03

Week 4

(17 Mar - 23 Mar)

Lecture

Source of magnetic fields

Source of magnetism: Moving chargers, Ampere's law, magnetic dipoles and solenoids, magnetic materials

Readings: eBook

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03

Week 5

(24 Mar - 30 Mar)

Lecture

Electromagnetic Induction

Faraday's law, induced electric fields, motional emf and eddy currents, electric generators

Readings: Hambley (Chapter 15); eBook. 

Learning outcomes: L02, L03

Week 6

(31 Mar - 06 Apr)

Lecture

Inductance and Transformers

Inductance, magnetic circuits, introduction to transformers

Readings: Hambley (Chapter 14); eBook; Boylestad (Chapters 11,12)

Learning outcomes: L02, L03, L04

Week 7

(07 Apr - 13 Apr)

Lecture

Revision on electric circuits

Circuit theory, power in electric circuits, energy,

Reading: Hambley (Chapter 1-3); Boylestad (Chapters 1-11); Nilsson&Riedel (Chapter 1 -4)

Learning outcomes: L05

Week 8

(14 Apr - 20 Apr)

Lecture

AC circuits

RLC response for sinusoidal, Phasors, reluctance, impedance, Single phase circuits, Delta-Wye systems

Readings: Hambley (chapter 5); Boylestad (Chapters 13 - 18); Nilsson&Riedel (Chapter 9)

Learning outcomes: L05, L06

Multiple weeks

From Week 9 To Week 10
(28 Apr - 11 May)

Lecture

Power in AC circuits

Thevenin Theorem, Maximum power transfer theorem for AC, Delta-Wye systems, AC power, reactive power, Apparent Power, Power triangle, power factor, Power factor correction,

Readings: Hambley (chapter 5); Nilsson&Riedel (Chapter 10)

Learning outcomes: L05

Week 11

(12 May - 18 May)

Lecture

Electromechanics - Single phase transformer

Transformer circuit model, efficiency, voltage regulations,

Readings: Hambley (Chapter 14); Boylestad (Chapter 23);

Learning outcomes: L04, L05, L06

Week 12

(19 May - 25 May)

Lecture

Electromechanics - Rotating machines

fundamentals of rotating machines

Reading: Hambley (Chapter 15)

Learning outcomes: L04

Week 13

(26 May - 01 Jun)

Lecture

Revision

Revision on AC circuits and electromechanics

Learning outcomes: L04, L05, L06

Policies and procedures

University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:

Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.

You'll also need to be aware of the following policies and procedures while completing this course:

School guidelines

Your school has additional guidelines you'll need to follow for this course: