Content The course begins with a brief repetition of basic concepts such as Poynting's theorem, potentials and gauges transformations, and then the retarded and advanced potentials are derived. Then special relativity theory is treated in 4-vector form, and electrodynamics are formulated in covariant form. Lagrange and Hamilton methods in field theory are then introduced. Energy momentum tensors are introduced and various conservation laws are derived. A large part of the course is devoted to radiation theory. First, multipole radiation with emphasis on dipole and quadrupole radiation is treated. Radiation from accelerated charges is then studied and the Lienart-Wiechert potentials are derived. Further, the frequency spectrum of the synchrotron radiation and the theory of radiation attenuation are discussed. As an application, some different examples of antennas are studied. The course also contains something about special functions, such as spherical harmonics and Bessel functions, as well as the theory of Green's functions.
Expected study results To fulfil the goals of knowledge and understanding, the student should be able to:
explain in detail key elements such as retarded potentials, special theory of relativity, electrodynamics in covariant form and Lagrange methods in classical field theories
provide in-depth description of radiation theory, including multipole radiation, accelerated charge radiation, frequency spectrum and radiation attenuation
derive central results in electrodynamics and explain in depth these arguments.
In order to fulfil the goals for proficiency and ability, the student should be able to:
independently perform advanced calculations in electrodynamics eg. of radiation fields and power from different current and charge distributions
independently apply electrodynamics to e.g. determine the radiation from different antenna designs
systematically determine the radiation field and power from accelerated charges, the frequency spectrum of the radiation and the radiation attenuation for charges
derive field equations (or equations of motion) from a Lagrange description of a relativistic theory, determine the corresponding energy-momentum tensor and derive conservation laws from this.
In order to fulfil the goals for values and critical approach, the student should be able to:
independently and with a critical approach, make use of scientific literature in the field.
Forms of instruction The teaching is conducted in the form of lectures and problem solving sessions.
Examination The examination for the course's theoretical part takes place individually in the form of a written exam at the end of the course and voluntary hand-in problems. For the written examinations one of the grades Fail (U), Pass (G) or Pass with Distinction (VG) is set. The points awarded for the hand-in problems can be reused at a later re-exam. The course grade will be the same as that of the written exam (including the score from the hand-in problems). A student that have passed the exam can not take another exam in order to get a higher grade.
Literature Jackson John David Classical electrodynamics 3. ed. : New York : Wiley : cop. 1999 : xxi, 808 p. : ISBN: 0-471-30932-X
The information below is only for exchange students
Starts
3 November 2025
Ends
18 January 2026
Study location
Umeå
Language
English
Type of studies
Daytime,
50%
Required Knowledge
90 credits including Analytical Mechanics and Electrodynamics or equivalent. Proficiency in English and Swedish equivalent to the level required for basic eligibility for higher studies. Requirements for Swedish only apply if the course is held in Swedish.
Selection
Students applying for courses within a double degree exchange agreement, within the departments own agreements will be given first priority. Then will - in turn - candidates within the departments own agreements, faculty agreements, central exchange agreements and other departmental agreements be selected.
Application code
UMU-A5377
Application
This application round is only intended for nominated exchange students. Information about deadlines can be found in the e-mail instruction that nominated students receive.
Notification of admission will be sent in end of May.
