Bachelor
2025/2026
Electrodynamics of Condensed Matter
Type:
Compulsory course (Physics)
Delivered by:
Faculty of Physics
When:
4 year, 3 module
Open to:
students of one campus
Language:
English
Course Syllabus
Abstract
The purpose of the course is to provide students with a theoretical description of physical phenomena related to the electrodynamics of continuums. The study of the discipline takes place in the last term of the bachelor's degree after studying most other disciplines, which makes it possible to formulate the laws of electrodynamics in continuous media using adequate physical concepts and mathematical apparatus. The course begins with consideration of the propagation of electromagnetic waves in homogeneous isotropic media and crystals with a linear response. In particular, attention is paid to the thermodynamics of this process. Then the reflection of electromagnetic waves on the surface and the skin effect are studied. This is followed by the study guided waves in waveguides of various geometries – metal waveguides, two-wire lines, planar dielectric waveguides and optical fiber. The scattering of light by small particles is considered as well. The course ends with an examination of electrostatics, in particular, with an examination of the polarization of elongated bodies in an electric field, and magnetostatics including ferromagnetism. The goals of the discipline include the formation of students' skills and abilities to apply the studied methods for independent problem solving.