Electricity and magnetism are familiar phenomena, but they are not independent. In this module, you’ll discover how a single consistent theory known as electromagnetism unifies electricity and magnetism – one of the most outstanding achievements of classical physics. You’ll learn about Maxwell’s equations and how they describe the fundamental physics of electromagnetism using the mathematical language of vector calculus. Additionally, you’ll study the application of these equations to understand electric and magnetic fields in the world around us, including phenomena such as light. Along the way, you’ll gain an appreciation for the role of symmetry in physics.
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:
studying written material completing self-assessment quizzes watching videos about real-world applications of electromagnetism carrying out online experiments.
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.
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:
Mathematical methods (MST224) or Mathematical methods, models and modelling (MST210).
Are you ready for SM381?
You’ll get help and support from an assigned tutor throughout your module.
They’ll help by:
marking your assignments and offering detailed feedback to help you improve providing individual guidance, whether that’s for general study skills or specific module content guiding you to additional learning resources facilitating online discussions between your fellow students in the dedicated forums.
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:
4 Tutor-marked assignments (TMAs)ExaminationWe regularly review the assessments in our modules, so we may update the examination method used for this module to an in-person exam or a remotely invigilated (proctored) exam. When we are making such a change, we will make it clear on this page. If we need to make a change after you have registered, we will notify you as soon as possible. If you have additional requirements, we will support you to complete your assessments.
You’ll have access to a module website, which includes:
a week-by-week study planner course-specific module materials audio and video content assessment details and submission section online tutorial access access to student forums.
Additionally, the website includes:
access to online experiments interactive activities and quizzes.
We also provide physical:
module books.
a scientific calculator.
Primary device – A desktop or laptop computer with at least 8 GB of RAM and a quad-core processor (2.4 GHz minimum speed). It’s possible to access some materials on a mobile phone, tablet or Chromebook; however, they will not be suitable as your primary device. Peripheral device – Headphones/earphones with a built-in microphone for online tutorials. Operating systems – Windows 11 or the latest supported macOS. Internet access – Broadband or mobile connection. Browser – Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge are recommended; Mozilla Firefox and Safari may be suitable. Our OU Study app operates on supported versions of Android and iOS. Software – Any additional software will be provided or is generally freely available.
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.
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.
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