INSTITUTION: The Mico University College

DEPARTMENT: Natural Sciences

PROGAMME: B. Ed (Science Education)
SPECIALISATION: Physics
COURSE CODE:
COURSE TITLE: Electricity and Magnetism
DURATION: 90 hours (45 lectures + 45 lab/field)
NO. OF CREDITS: 4
PRE-REQUISITES: Introductory Physics IIB;

RATIONALE:
From the awe inspiring spectacle of the Northern Lights to the undetectable atom, electric and
magnetic fields play an important role in many naturally occurring phenomena. Pioneering
discoveries and theories on magnetism and electricity by scientists such as Halley, Oersted, Ampere
and above all Maxwell, brought new insight into many of the hitherto incomprehensible phenomena.
The explosion of knowledge about magnetism and electricity and their relationship saw inventors
such as Bell, Edison and Tesla putting the theories to work in making devices – such as the
incandescent lamp and electric motor – which have become an integral part of modern human
existence.
Electricity consumption and the consequent utilization of electric and magnetic fields is the most
important driver of economic prosperity of countries in the 21st century, and as such a more than
cursory understanding of the theories of electricity and magnetism is necessary for any student of
science in this modern day context.

COURSE DESCRIPTION:
The design of the electricity and magnetism course is to give the student teacher exposure both in
scope and depth to the world of electricity and magnetism, so as to empower them to generate
enthusiasm in their students to explore the scientific and entrepreneurial possibilities in this most
important area of science.
The course focuses on the concept of electric and magnetic fields since this concept is central to
gaining knowledge about electric and magnetic phenomena. The students will be exposed to the
theories of electric and magnetic fields and how they produce and affect electric currents. Effects of
these fields on matter will also be introduced. Concepts introduced in the course will be reinforced
where possible by experimental investigations to be conducted by the students.

There are four units in this course

Unit 1: Electrostatics: Charges and fields
Unit 2: Electric currents
Unit 3: Magnetic field
Unit 4: Electric and magnetic fields in matter
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GENERAL OBJECTIVES:
Students who successfully complete this course will be able to:
1. understand characteristics of electric and magnetic fields are
2. express familiarity with the dynamics of electric currents
3. appreciate the utility of magnetic fields
4. display knowledge of the pervasiveness of fields in matter

UNIT: 1
TITLE: ELECTROSTATICS: CHARGES AND FIELDS
DURATION: 24 hours

OBJECTIVES: On completion of this unit, students should be able to:

1.1. Discuss evidence for conservation and quantization of charge.

1.2. Apply Coulomb’s law to systems of charged particles.
1.3. Determine the energy of a system of charged particles including a crystal lattice
1.4. Explain features of an electric field.
1.5. Define an electric flux.
1.6. Interpret Gauss’ law in equation form
1.7. Demonstrate experimentally the implications of Gauss’ law
1.8. Analyze spherical, line and infinite flat charge distribution using Gauss’ law
1.9. Assess the importance of knowledge of electric fields.

UNIT: 2
TITLE: ELECTRIC CURRENTS
DURATION: 18 hours

OBJECTIVES: On completion of this unit, students should be able to:

2.1. Explain the relationship among charge, current and current density
2.2. Discuss the evidence for charge conservation in electric currents.
2.3. Use current density and Ohm’s law in conjunction
2.4. Discuss the physics of electrical conduction.
2.5. Explain electric conduction in metals.
2.6. Conduct investigations into the physical quantities that affect electrical current magnitude.
2.7. Analyze direct and alternating current circuits
2.8. Evaluate the impact of utilization of knowledge of electric currents on human life.
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UNIT: 3
TITLE: MAGNETIC FIELD
DURATION: 24 hours

OBJECTIVES: On completion of this unit, students should be able to:

3.1. Outline the definition of a magnetic field

3.2. Discuss properties of the magnetic field
3.3. Analyze magnetic fields of current carrying wire, rings and coils.
3.4. Conduct investigations on properties of magnetic fields.
3.5. Explain the Hall effect
3.6. Investigate characteristics of a Hall effect device
3.7. Illustrate the impact of the utilization of the Hall effect

UNIT: 4
TITLE: ELECTRIC AND MAGNETIC FIELDS IN MATTER
DURATION: 18 hours

OBJECTIVES: On completion of this unit, students should be able to:

4.1. Analyze the torque and force on an electric dipole in an external field.
4.2. Discuss induced and permanent dipole moments of atomic and molecular dipoles.
4.3. Explain the and determine the electric field due to polarized matter
4.4. Analyze the force on a magnetic dipole in an external field
4.5. Discuss electric currents in atoms
4.6. Discuss electron spin and magnetic moment
4.7. Assess the usefulness of knowledge of electric and magnetic fields in matter

ASSESSMENT
Coursework: 50%
 Lab/fieldwork reports 20%
 In-course tests 15%
 Other assignments 15%

Final Examination: 50%

one paper, 2 hours
 20 multiple choice questions (20 mks)
 2 short answer questions (20 mks)
 2 essays, chosen from 4 questions (40 mks)

RECOMMENDED READING
Purcell E. (2011) Electricity and magnetism (2nd ed): Cambridge. Cambridge University Press