This module will give you a detailed understanding of the theory of electromagnetism, which is one of the cornerstones of classical physics and an example of a classical field theory. You’ll develop an understanding of a wide range of physical phenomena, from the behaviour of light to the electrical and magnetic properties of materials. In addition, you’ll develop your ability to apply advanced physics concepts and mathematical techniques (such as vector calculus) to describe aspects of the physical world and find quantitative answers to problems.
The module website will guide your learning. The website will explain the tasks you should complete in a particular week, including:
Two books accompany the module. Each book chapter complements a particular week of study.
Book 1
The first book concentrates on fundamental aspects of the theory of classical electromagnetism. It explains the concepts of electric and magnetic fields and how they are related through Maxwell’s four equations (Gauss’s law, the no Monopole law, the Ampère–Maxwell law and Faraday’s law) and the Lorentz force law. It describes how the properties of electric and magnetic fields follow from the consistent theory formed by these equations and how to use these equations to understand physical situations. This book also contains brief revision material on the relevant mathematical concepts from Mathematical methods, models and modelling (MST210) / Mathematical methods (MST224). You’ll learn to use these mathematical techniques to describe and explain electromagnetic phenomena.
Book 2
The second book starts by showing how the presence of matter modifies electric and magnetic fields and describes the tools and techniques needed to determine the behaviour of electromagnetic fields in such cases. The book's middle part concerns electromagnetic energy and currents, particularly alternating current (AC) circuits containing electric and magnetic components. The last part of the book develops the theory of electromagnetic waves (including light) and the electromagnetic spectrum. It explains the propagation of electromagnetic waves in a vacuum and their behaviour in matter, including reflection, refraction, dispersion and absorption.
This module will develop your problem-solving abilities in physical sciences and improve your mathematical and communication skills. The opportunity to perform a remote experiment and engage in group work is particularly relevant to how scientific investigations are increasingly carried out. These skills are helpful in roles requiring a precise and quantitative approach. The learning objectives of Electromagnetism (SM381) are to develop core skills and competencies in problem-solving, communication, collaboration, numeracy and digital literacy. Personal attributes and behaviours developed will include initiative, self-management, resilience and self-confidence.
You’ll get help and support from an assigned tutor throughout your module.
They’ll help by:
Online tutorials run throughout the module. While they’re not compulsory, we strongly encourage you to participate. Where possible, we’ll make recordings available.
Course work includes:
You’ll have access to a module website, which includes:
Additionally, the website includes:
We also provide physical:
You can study this module on its own or use the credits you gain towards an Open University qualification.
SM381 is a compulsory module in our:
SM381 is an option module in our:
Electromagnetism (SM381) starts once a year – in October.
It will next start in October 2026.
We expect it to start for the last time in October 2029.
As a student of The Open University, you should be aware of the content of the academic regulations, which are available on our Student Policies and Regulations website.
There are no formal entry requirements for this module.
At The Open University, we believe education should be open to all, so we provide high-quality university education to anyone who wishes to realise their ambitions and fulfil their potential.
Even though there are no entry requirements, this is a mathematical module that requires you to be confident using partial differentiation, multiple integrals, vector calculus and complex numbers. Therefore, we recommend that you’ve achieved a good pass in either of the following modules:
Are you ready for SM381?
The OU strives to make all aspects of study accessible to everyone, and this Accessibility Statement outlines what studying SM381 involves. You should use this information to inform your study preparations and any discussions with us about how we can meet your needs.
To find out more about what kind of support and adjustments might be available, contact us or visit our Disability support website.
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There may be extra costs on top of the tuition fee, such as set books, a computer and internet access.
If your income is not more than £25,000 or you receive a qualifying benefit, you might be eligible for help with some of these costs after your module has started.
There may be extra costs on top of the tuition fee, such as set books, a computer and internet access.
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