PHYS2005

PHYS2005: Electromagnetism

Student reviews for PHYS2005 at Curtin University. See ratings, workload, grades, and honest feedback from Curtin students.

View in Curtin Handbook

5.0

★★★★★Based on 1 reviews

Workload9.0/10

Avg Grade0%

Take Again0%

Had an Exam100%

Most reviews for this unit are from a previous year. Assessment style, staff, or content may have changed since.

1 of 1 reviewers: Practical labs/tutorials 1 of 1 reviewers: Proctored exam 1 of 1 reviewers: Weekly quizzes

PHYS2005 student reviews

Most recent review covers Semester 2, 2025

Workload, assessments, and whether students would take it again. Verified Curtin Student means the reviewer confirmed a @student.curtin.edu.au email address.

Taught by Dmitri Fursa (1 review)

Verified Curtin Student RegularSemester 2, 2025 • Prof. Dmitri Fursa • Aug 2026

★★★★★

This unit is often regarded as the most difficult in the Physics degree. The content covered is almost the same as that in Physics 2, but will the added complexity of the proper mathematics learnt in Calculus 2. It's quite a bit of work and, as usual, the workshops are stressful, but as long as you have a very good understanding of electromagnetism from Physics 2 + time-management, you should be alright.

Which units require PHYS2005?

PHYS2005 is a prerequisite for 1 unit.

ASTR3001

What is PHYS2005 about?

This is a second year level unit for students who have previously undertaken the introductory electricity and magnetism unit (PHYS2003: Classical Mechanics and Electromagnetism, or any previous version) and have a satisfactory background in mathematics (MATH2009 Advanced Calculus, or any previous version). The unit begins with a review of the mathematical methods germane to classical electrodynamics: vector analysis, and differential and integral calculus in curvilinear co-ordinates. This is followed by the study of static electric fields (including the laws of Coulomb and Gauss), calculation of the electric potential, and capacitance. Laplace’s equation, and the method of images are introduced as a means to solve problems in electrostatics. The course then covers static magnetic fields, including the Biot-Savart and Ampère’s law, the magnetic vector potential, and multipole expansions of the electric and magnetic field. The course treats the electric and magnetic fields in matter. The final component of the course covers electrodynamics and relativity, Faraday’s law and inductance, Maxwell's equations, electrodynamic conservation laws, and electromagnetic waves. The laboratory sessions provide students with an advanced laboratory experience, and further enhance analytical, and report writing skills.

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Unit details

Credits25

Contact Hours6 Weekly

Result TypeGrade/Mark

AreaSchool of Electrical Engineering, Computing and Mathematical Sciences (EECMS) (1153)

Field of Education010301 Physics

Handbook View Official Handbook Page →

How this unit is taught

Lecture1 x 2 hours weekly
Science Laboratory9 x 3 hours semesterly
Workshop1 x 2 hours weekly

Prerequisites

PrerequisitesSelect One

PHYS1007Physics 2
PHYS2003Classical Mechanics and Electromagnetism
Classical Mechanics and Electromagnetism 201