Fields in Physics I (PHYS2055)

Course overview

Introduction to field theory in physics. Topics include an overview of classical field theories, the mathematical description of field theories, and a detailed coverage of classical electromagnetism, including Maxwell's equations, and optics.

The course consists of an introduction to classical field theories in physics. Classical field theory is an important component of theoretical physics, and is the foundation of quantum field theories such as quantum electrodynamics.

The range of classical field theories is diverse, including optics, electrodynamics, fluid dynamics, elastodynamics, general relativity, and more. We will concentrate on electromagnetism, including wave optics, as it is the classical field theory of major importance in physics, but will also cover general aspects of field theories, and include specific examples from other classical field theories, including fluid flow and elastic solids.

The course provides part of a comprehensive, complete and coherent program of education in Physics intended for students aiming to become professional physicists. It is a compulsory course for completing the Physics Major and for entry into the fourth year honours degree. The Masters version of this course (PHYS7155) is a required course for the Master of Science (Physics) degree. The course is also suitable for students who are interested in the foundations of theoretical physics, or are interested in applications of classical field theory, such as optics.

Expected capabilities on entering the course

Conceptual understanding

(PHYS1002) Meaning of electric field, electric potential, magnetic field

(PHYS1002) Simple field configurations for electrostatic and constant current cases (point charge, infinite wire, solenoid)

Mathematical skills

(MATH1051) Able to integrate and differentiate common functions such as powers, log, exp,sin, etc

(MATH1051) Definite and indefinite integrals

(MATH1051) Manipulation of complex functions (exp ix), trigonometric functions (sin A+B)(MATH1052/PHYS1002) Line and surface integrals

(MATH1052) Vector calculus

(MATH1052) Linear differential equations

(MATH1052) Partial Derivatives

Problem solving and analysis

(PHYS1002) Use of Coulomb’s Law, Gauss’s Law, Ampere’s Law to solve problems for simple static and constant current situations

(PHYS1002) Ability to calculate potential from electric field in simple situations

Experimental

(PHYS1002) Able to design and conduct simple experiments

(PHYS1001/PHYS1002) Able to estimate uncertainties and propagate uncertainties through calculations

(PHYS1002) An understanding of how to write a laboratory report

Expected capabilities on exiting the course

Conceptual understanding

Application of field models to situations involving temperature, pressure, gravitation, elasticity and fluid flow

Understand the meaning of each of Maxwell’s equations

Understand the wave equation, its solutions and how Maxwell’s equations lead to the wave equation for electromagnetic fields

Ability to discuss polarisation including types of polarisation, conversion between different states using polarisers and wave plates

Ability to discuss interference between two beams and between multiple beams

An understanding of the propagation of waves in a cavity including discussion of boundary conditions and modes

Operation of Michelson and Fabry-Perot interferometers

Understand propagation of a wave through a dielectric material and reflection at surfaces

Understand the stress and strain tensors and how to use them to model elastic solids

Mathematical skills

Use and meaning of Div, Grad, Curl

Use and manipulate simple tensor forms

Translate between differential and integral forms of Maxwell’s equation

Problem solving and analysis

Find electric and magnetic fields of static charge or constant current situations using scalar and vector potentials. Calculate fields from potentials and vice versa

Use and manipulate harmonic waves including calculating and using wave number, angular frequency, phase and amplitude. Mathematically describe states of polarisation of an electromagnetic field

Calculate interference between two waves

Calculate guided wave numbers, and speeds for rectangular wave guides and cavities

Calculate reflection coefficients for electromagnetic waves incident on a surface

Apply the Navier-Stokes equations in different settings, including viscid and inviscid flow, and vortices.

Experimental

Able to design and conduct advanced measurements in areas relating to interference, diffraction, and polarisation

Able to use linear regression to analyse a set of experimental measurements

Able to compare and contrast a theoretical model with experimental measurements

Able to clearly communicate results to peers

In the School of Mathematics and Physics we are committed to creating an inclusive and empowering learning environment for all students. We value and respect the diverse range of experiences our students bring to their education, and we believe that this diversity is crucial for fostering a rich culture of knowledge sharing and meaningful exploration. We hold both students and staff accountable for actively contributing to the establishment of a respectful and supportive learning environment.

Bullying, harassment, and discrimination in any form are strictly against our principles and against UQ Policy, and will not be tolerated. We have developed a suite of resources to assist you in recognising, reporting, and addressing such behaviour. If you have any concerns about your experience in this course, we encourage you to tell a member of the course teaching team, or alternatively contact an SMP Classroom Inclusivity Champion (see Blackboard for contact details). Our Inclusivity Champions are here to listen, to understand your concerns, and to explore potential actions that can be taken to resolve them. Your well-being and a positive learning atmosphere are of utmost importance to us.

Course requirements

Assumed background

Students are assumed to have completed an introductory course in physics, including some coverage of elements of electromagnetism, waves, and optics. Students are assumed to be familiar with calculus and vectors, and to have some experience with differential equations.

Prerequisites

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

PHYS1002 + (MATH1051 or MATH1071) + (MATH1052 or MATH1072)

Recommended companion or co-requisite courses

We recommend completing the following courses at the same time:

MATH2001 or MATH2901

Course contact

Course staff

Timetable

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

Additional timetable information

All classes will be conducted on campus, consult your personal timetable for times and locations.ﾠ Students are expected to attend these sessions in person unless they have a valid reason for being unable to attend (such as illness).ﾠ Alternative arrangements will be advised on Blackboard should the campus be closed for any reason.ﾠ Workshop sessions will be recorded and available via Blackboard.

Important: if you are ill, then do not attend any classes in person. Alternative arrangements can be organised – consult Blackboard for details.ﾠ

Aims and outcomes

The course aims to introduce students to classical field theory, the role of classical field theory in physics, and the application of classical field theory in both theoretical and experimental contexts.

Learning outcomes

After successfully completing this course you should be able to:

Assessment

Assessment summary

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

Problem sets

Mode

Written

Category

Tutorial/ Problem Set

Weight

30%

Due date

21/03/2025 5:00 pm

4/04/2025 5:00 pm

28/04/2025 5:00 pm

9/05/2025 5:00 pm

23/05/2025 5:00 pm

Learning outcomes

L01, L02, L03, L05

Task description

Submission guidelines

Students will submit written or typed individual problem sets. Problem sets must be submitted electronically via 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.

Solutions to problem sets are released a week after it is due, before the next problem set is due. Extensions of up to 7 days can be applied for.

See ADDITIONAL ASSESSMENT INFORMATION for extension/deferral information relating to this assessment item.

Late submission

A penalty of 1 grade for each 24 hour period from time submission is due will apply for up to 7 days. After 7 days you will receive a mark of 0.

Formative Reading Quiz

Mode

Activity/ Performance, Written

Category

Quiz, Reflection

Weight

5%

Due date

26/02/2025 5:00 pm

5/03/2025 5:00 pm

12/03/2025 5:00 pm

19/03/2025 5:00 pm

26/03/2025 5:00 pm

2/04/2025 5:00 pm

9/04/2025 5:00 pm

16/04/2025 5:00 pm

30/04/2025 5:00 pm

7/05/2025 5:00 pm

14/05/2025 5:00 pm

28/05/2025 5:00 pm

Learning outcomes

L01, L03, L05

Task description

Submission guidelines

Reading quiz must be submitted electronically via Blackboard.

Deferral or extension

You may be able to apply for an extension.

The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.

See ADDITIONAL ASSESSMENT INFORMATION for extension/deferral information relating to this assessment item.

Late submission

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

Reading quizzes must be submitted before the weekly class so late submissions cannot be accepted.

Final examination

• Hurdle
• Identity Verified
• In-person

Mode

Written

Category

Examination

Weight

40%

Due date

End of Semester Exam Period

7/06/2025 - 21/06/2025

Learning outcomes

L01, L02, L03, L05

Task description

Hurdle requirements

Exam details

Submission guidelines

Deferral or extension

You may be able to defer this exam.

See ADDITIONAL ASSESSMENT INFORMATION for extension/deferral information relating to this assessment item.

Laboratory Report 1

• Hurdle

Mode

Activity/ Performance, Written

Category

Paper/ Report/ Annotation

Weight

12.5%

Due date

5 pm, 2 weeks after completing the experiment (see lab schedule)

Learning outcomes

L01, L02, L03, L04, L05

Task description

Hurdle requirements

Submission guidelines

See laboratory schedule for report due dates. No reports will be accepted after the last day of the teaching semester (Week 13). Reports must be submitted electronically via the University's Blackboard system. Submissions must be in portable document format (i.e. a pdf file).

Deferral or extension

You may be able to apply for an extension.

The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.

See ADDITIONAL ASSESSMENT INFORMATION for extension/deferral information relating to this assessment item.

Late submission

A penalty of 1 grade for each 24 hour period from time submission is due will apply for up to 7 days. After 7 days you will receive a mark of 0.

Laboratory report 2

• Hurdle

Mode

Activity/ Performance, Written

Category

Paper/ Report/ Annotation

Weight

12.5%

Due date

5 pm, 2 weeks after completing the experiment (see lab schedule)

Learning outcomes

L01, L02, L03, L04, L05

Task description

Hurdle requirements

Submission guidelines

See laboratory schedule for report due dates. Reports must be submitted electronically via the University's Blackboard system. Submissions must be in portable document format (i.e. a pdf file).

Deferral or extension

You may be able to apply for an extension.

The maximum extension allowed is 28 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.

See ADDITIONAL ASSESSMENT INFORMATION for extension/deferral information relating to this assessment item.

Late submission

A penalty of 1 grade for each 24 hour period from time submission is due will apply for up to 7 days. After 7 days you will receive a mark of 0.

Course grading

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

Additional course grading information

Your grade for this course will be determined by which of the above levels of achievement that you consistently display in the items of assessment.ﾠ Students will receive a grade of 1-7 for each assessment item (for each laboratory report, each problem set, for the reading quizzes, and each question in the final exam). An overall grade will be calculated by combining the results for each assessment item, weighted by the relative percentage value of each item. The overall grade will be compared with final cut-offs which will be determined by comparing selected student work with the grading criteria.

Hurdle Requirements

To obtain a grade of 4 or higher, students must meet the following requirements

• An average grade of 3.0 or higher in the final exam
• An average grade of 3.0 or higher in the laboratory component of the course

Supplementary assessment

Supplementary assessment is not available for some items in this course.

Should you fail a course with a grade of 3, you may be eligible for supplementary assessment. Refer to my.UQ for information on supplementary assessment and how to apply. 

Supplementary assessment provides an additional opportunity to demonstrate you have achieved all the required learning outcomes for a course.  

Supplementary assessment is not available if you have failed the laboratory component of this course. The learning objectives of the laboratory components are demonstrated throughout the semester and it is not possible to validly reassess these learning objectives in the supplementary assessment period.

If you apply and are granted supplementary assessment, the type of supplementary assessment set will consider which learning outcome(s) have not been met.  

Supplementary assessment in this course will be a 2-hour examination similar in style to the end-of-semester examination. To receive a passing grade of 3S4, you must obtain a mark of 50% or more on the supplementary assessment.  

Additional assessment information

Artificial Intelligence

Assessment tasks in this course evaluate 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.

Applications for Extensions to Assessment Due Dates

Extension requests are submitted online via my.UQ – applying for an extension. Extension requests received in any other way will not be approved. Additional details associated with extension requests, including acceptable and unacceptable reasons, may be found at my.UQ.

Please note:

• Requests for an extension to an assessment due date must be submitted through your my.UQ portal and you must provide documentation of your circumstances, as soon as it becomes evident that an extension is needed. Your application must be submitted on or before the assessment item's due date and time.
• Applications for extension can take time to be processed so you should continue to work on your assessment item while awaiting a decision. We recommend that you submit any completed work by the due date, and this will be marked if your application is not approved. Should your application be approved, then you will be able to resubmit by the agreed revised due date.
• If an extension is approved, you will be notified via your my.UQ portal and the new date and time for submission provided. It is important that you check the revised date as it may differ from the date that you requested.
• If the basis of the application is a medical condition, applications should be accompanied by a medical certificate dated prior to the assignment due date. If you are unable to provide documentation to support your application by the due date and time you must still submit your application on time and attach a written statement (Word document) outlining why you cannot provide the documentation. You must then upload the documentation to the portal within 24 hours.
• If an extension is being sought on the basis of exceptional circumstances, it must be accompanied by supporting documentation (eg. Statutory declaration).
• For extensions based on a SAP you may be granted a maximum of 7 days (if no earlier maximum date applies). See the Extension or Deferral availability section of each assessment for details. Your SAP is all that is required as documentation to support your application. However, additional extension requests for the assessment item will require the submission of additional supporting documentation e.g., a medical certificate. All extension requests must be received by the assessment due date and time.
• Students may be asked to submit evidence of work completed to date. Lack of adequate progress on your assessment item may result in an extension being denied.
• If you have been ill or unable to attend class for more than 14 days, you are advised to carefully consider whether you are capable of successfully completing your courses this semester. You might be eligible to withdraw without academic penalty - seek advice from the Faculty that administers your program.
• There are no provisions for exemption from an assessment item within UQ rules. If you are unable to submit an assessment piece then, under special circumstances, you may be granted an exemption, but may be required to submit alternative assessment to ensure all learning outcomes are met.

Applications to defer an exam

In certain circumstances you can apply to take a deferred examination for in-semester and end-of-semester exams. You'll need to demonstrate through supporting documentation how unavoidable circumstances prevented you from sitting your exam. If you can’t, you can apply for a one-off discretionary deferred exam.

Deferred Exam requests are submitted online via mySi-net. Requests received in any other way will not be approved. Additional details associated with deferred examinations, including acceptable and unacceptable reasons may be found at my.UQ.

Please note:

• Applications can be submitted no later than 5 calendar days after the date of the original exam.
• There are no provisions to defer a deferred exam. You need to be available to sit your deferred examination.
• Your deferred examination request(s) must have a status of "submitted" in mySI-net to be assessed.
• All applications for deferred in-semester examinations are assessed by the relevant school. Applications for deferred end-of-semester examinations are assessed by the Academic Services Division.
• You’ll receive an email to your student email account when the status of your application is updated.
• If you have a medical condition, mental health condition or disability and require alternative arrangements for your deferred exam you’ll need to complete the online alternative exam arrangements through my.UQ. This is in addition to your deferred examinations request. You need to submit this request on the same day as your request for a deferred exam or supplementary assessment. Contact Student Services if you need assistance completing your alternative exam arrangements request.ﾠ

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.

Additional learning resources information

The university guide to online study: https://web.library.uq.edu.au/library-services/students/how-study-online

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Learning activities

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

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:

• Student Code of Conduct Policy
• Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
• Assessment Procedure
• Examinations Procedure
• Reasonable Adjustments - Students Policy and Procedure

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