Course Description:

Physics 411 is an introduction to electrodynamics for junior and senior level physics majors. It is expected that the students have already taken introductory physics sequence 171-273 or equivalent.

Textbook:

The text book for the course is "Introduction to Electrodynamics" (Third Edition), by David J. Griffiths. Some useful references include Reitz, Milford, and Christy, Marion and Heald , "Electricity and Magnetism, Vol. II," by E. M. Purcell, "CLassical Electrodynamics," by J. D. Jackson, " Electrodynamics of Continuous Media, Vol. 8," by E. M. Lifshitz, L. D. Landau, and L. P. Pitaevskii.

Grading Policy:

Homework 30 %, two mid-terms 40 %, the final exam 30 %. The final letter grades will be determined from the bell-curve fit. A/B line will be set around one standard deviation above the average, and B/C line around the average.

Homework:

One homework will be due each week. No late submission will be accepted without a very strong reason. You are encouraged to discuss the homework problems with others if you cannot solve them by yourself. However, it is very important to work out the problems by yourself after the discussion is over. The point of homework assignment is for you to learn and understand the subject. If you have trouble working out the homework problems, come to talk to the instructor immediately. Copying homework solutions of others is NOT allowed.

Mid-term exams:

Two mid-term exams will be given.

Final exam:

The final exam will mostly cover the material that was not covered by the two mid-terms. Approximately 30 % of the questions will be about the entire material covered over the semester, however.

Excuses:

If you miss exams or delay homework submission for very strong reasons and you wish to make it up, you need to provide supporting documents or witnesses to the instructor. Otherwise there will be no make-up and you will receive zero points for what you missed.

Academic Honesty:

The University of Maryland has strict regulations concerning cheating which require that all suspected incidents of cheating be reported. Any student found guilty of cheating faces severe penalties ranging from reduction of grade to dismissal.