- Docente: Sirio Belli
- Credits: 6
- SSD: FIS/01
- Language: Italian
- Teaching Mode: Traditional lectures
- Campus: Bologna
- Corso: First cycle degree programme (L) in Civil Engineering (cod. 8888)
-
from Sep 16, 2025 to Dec 17, 2025
Learning outcomes
The aim of the course is to provide basic knowledge of general concepts in electromagnetism, both in vacuum and in conductors, and to teach the application of such concepts for the solution of problems.
Course contents
Part I: Electrostatics
- Introduction to electrostatics
- Coulomb's law
- Electrostatic field
- Discrete and continuous charge distribution
- Gauss's law
- Divergence of the electric field
- Electric potential
- Curl of the electric field
- Conductors
- Capacitors
- Electrostatics in matter
- Currents and circuits
Part II: The Electromagnetic Field
- Introduction to magnetostatics
- Magnetic field
- Interaction between charges and magnetic field
- Coils and magnets
- Magnetostatics in matter
- Electromagnetic induction
- Mutual and auto induction
- Maxwell's equations
- Electromagnetic waves
Readings/Bibliography
S. Focardi, I.G. Massa, A. Uguzzoni, M. Villa, Fisica generale - Elettromagnetismo, Seconda Edizione, CEA.
Teaching methods
- Lectures
- Exercises
- Simulations to illustrate key ideas and experiments
Assessment methods
Written exam (mandatory)
There are six exams in one academic year: three in the winter session, two in the summer session, and one in the fall session. Each written exam includes both numerical exercises and open theory questions. The exam is 2-hour long and the use of pocket calculators is allowed, but it is not possible to bring textbooks or notes.
The highest grade achievable in the written test is 28. If the grade is higher than 18, the student can decide (via email communication with the teacher) either to confirm the grade or to try to improve the grade by taking the oral exam. If the grade of the written exam is less than 18, it will not be possible to take the oral exam.
Students with learning disorders can request adjustments for the written exam by contacting the teacher via e-mail at least 15 days in advance, with the University office for students with disabilities added in cc.
Oral exam (optional)
The oral exam consists of theory questions and simple problems. Long calculations and complex derivations will not be requested. The primary goal is to verify the student's comprehension of the fundamental concepts of electromagnetism.
In general, with the oral exam it is possible to increase the grade obtained in the written exam by a margin that goes from zero to +5 points; however, a particularly poor oral exam may also lead to a decrease of the grade obtained in the written exam.
Teaching tools
Exercises with the tutor.
Office hours
See the website of Sirio Belli