Study Programmes 2015-2016
ELEN0076-1  
Electromagnetism
Duration :
30h Th, 30h Pr
Number of credits :
Bachelor in engineering5
Bachelor in engineering5
Master in electrical engineering (120 ECTS)5
Master in physical engineering (120 ECTS)5
Lecturer :
Patricia Rousseaux, Benoît Vanderheyden
Language(s) of instruction :
French language
Organisation and examination :
Teaching in the first semester, review in January
Units courses prerequisite and corequisite :
Prerequisite or corequisite units are presented within each program
Course contents :
In this course, we present the foundations for electrostatic, magnetic or electromagnetic fields. The notions are illustrated in the context of different applications, including wave propagation in transmission lines, in waveguides, or optical fibers.
The approach used is progressive: the concepts are first analyzed, interpreted, and illustrated in the context of a simplified application. The results are then exploited for solving more complex problems.
This approach puts forward the difficulties arising in: - manipulating the mathematical formalism (vector calculus, phasors, primitivation) - giving a physical interpretation of the studied phenomena - formulating and interpreting simplifying hypotheses - using different solving methods.
The following elements are studied:
fundamental equations of electrostatics, magnetostatics, Maxwell equations, wave propagation in a dielectric medium, in a dissipative medium, transmission lines (frequency and temporal domains), waveguides, antennas and wave generation.
Questions related to field diffusion (losses) in materials (eddy currents, skin effect), as well as polarization, are also adressed.
Learning outcomes of the course :
To be able to:
- formulate the fundamental equations of electromagnetism and explain the underlying physics
- use algebra, vector calculus and primitivation methods that are necessary for solving electromagnetic problems
- decompose a complex problem into simpler ones while identifying the chain of cause/effect
- understand the main technical constraints arising in the design of electromagnetic systems.
The frequent practice of homework exercices enables the student to acquire the autonomy and easiness that are necessary for overcoming the difficulties of the course. Consulting the textbook makes him familiar with the english terminology.
Prerequisite knowledge and skills :
Parts of the course refer to basic notions of electrical circuit analysis. Notes recalling the needed basic concepts will be made available. A complementary session can be organized under the request of the students who have never taken the course "ELEC0053 - Electrical circuits", or equivalent.
Planned learning activities and teaching methods :
The course includes "ex-cathedra" sessions (30 hours) and exercice sessions (30 hours).
The "ex-cathedra" sessions are devoted to the descripton of theoretical concepts, the presentation of the related mathematical concepts, and the description of the physics of the underlying mechanisms.
The exercice sessions consists in solving different problems, discussing different solving methods, as well as their limitations.
An elective session of "Questions and answers" is suggested at the end of the quadrimester.
An elective problem-based test is organized mid-term (organizational details to be announced during the lectures).
Mode of delivery (face-to-face ; distance-learning) :
Face-to-face
Recommended or required readings :
  • Main and compulsory sources:
The slides of the "ex-cathedra" part and of the exercice sessions are available at the "Centrale des cours de l'AEES", as well as on the course web site. Additional material is handed out throughout the quadrimester.
  • Secondary and elective sources:
APPLIED ELECTROMAGNETISM Liang Chi Shen/ Jin Au Kong PWS Foundations in engineering series ISBN 0-534-94722-0
Assessment methods and criteria :
  • Complementary homeworks:
Elective exercices of a type similar to those solved in the exercice sessions are suggested throughout the quadrimester. It is highly recommended that the students practice these exercices on a regular basis.






  • Mid-term test
A problem-based test is organized mid-term. This test is elective. The note obtained is then compared to that of the problem part of the final exam in January. If favorable, the test accounts for 20% of the final note. 

The mid-term test is not taken into account for the September session.






  • Exams:
June session A written exam (closed book), which includes two parts:






  • "theory" (50 %, 1h30), on the set of theory concepts seen in the "ex-cathedra" and the exercice sessions. Calculators are forbidden and a form is distributed.
  • "problems" (50 %, 2h30), on exercices similar to those solved in the exercice sessions or those proposed in the complementary homeworks. Calculators are required and a form is distributed.
If the mid-term test note is larger than that of the problem part of the final exam, then the test accounts for 20 % of the final note and the problem part accounts for 30 %.
Cell phones are forbidden during the entire exam.
September session
An oral exam (closed book) including two parts:






  • "theory" (50 %), on the set of theory concepts seen in the "ex-cathedra" and the exercice sessions. Calculators are forbidden and a form is distributed.
  • "problems" (50 %), on one exercice, similar to those solved in the exercice sessions or those proposed in the complementary homeworks. Calculators are required and a form is distributed.
Cell phones are forbidden during the entire exam.
Work placement(s) :
Organizational remarks :
The course follows the schedule fixed by the Faculty: (http://www.facsa.ulg.ac.be). For any other information, consult http://www.montefiore.ulg.ac.be/~vdh/elen0076-1.html
Contacts :
"ex-cathedra" sessions: Benoît Vanderheyden, B.Vanderheyden @ ulg.ac.be ;
"exercice" sessions: Patricia Rousseaux, P.Rousseaux @ ulg.ac.be
Items online :
Notes (password provided in class)
An electronic version of the course material is available on this site