Spring 2026 - PHYS 321 D100

Intermediate Electricity and Magnetism (3)

Class Number: 6147

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 5 – Apr 10, 2026: Mon, Wed, Fri, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    PHYS 121 or PHYS 126 or PHYS 141 (or PHYS 102 with a minimum grade of B); MATH 252 or MATH 254; MATH 260 or MATH 310. All prerequisite courses require a minimum grade of C-, unless specified.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Development and application of Maxwell's equations in vector differential form. Notation and theorems of vector calculus; electric charge, fields, potentials, capacitance and field energy; conductors; methods for solving electrostatic problems; electric fields in matter; electrical current and the magnetic field; Ampere's law and the vector potential; magnetic fields in matter; electromotive force, electrical resistance, Faraday's law and inductance; Maxwell's correction to Ampere's law and electromagnetic waves. Quantitative.

COURSE DETAILS:

Week 1            Review of vector calculus

Week 2            Electrostatics – electric field, electric potential

Week 3            Electrostatics – work, capacitance and energy storage

Weeks 4, 5      Solution of electrostatic problems

Weeks 6, 7      Electric fields in matter, electrical current, circuits

Week 8            Magnetostatics

Week 9            Ampere's Law

Week 10          Magnetic Fields in Matter

Week 11          Faraday’s law, electromagnetic induction

Week 12, 13    Maxwell’s equations and Electromagnetic waves






Grading

  • Assignments 20%
  • Mid-term I 20%
  • Mid-term II 20%
  • Final Exam 40%

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

Required Text:
Griffiths  Introduction to Electrodynamics 4th edition
Cambridge

REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

Department Undergraduate Notes:

Students who cannot write their exam during the course's scheduled exam time must request accommodation from their instructor in writing, clearly stating the reason for this request, within one week of the final exam schedule being posted.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.

To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit: 


RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.