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EEEN30030

Academic Year 2025/2026

Electromagnetic Waves (EEEN30030)

Subject:
Electronic & Electrical Eng
College:
Engineering & Architecture
School:
Electrical & Electronic Eng
Level:
3 (Degree)
Credits:
5
Module Coordinator:
Dr John Healy
Trimester:
Spring
Mode of Delivery:
On Campus
Internship Module:
No
How will I be graded?
Letter grades

Curricular information is subject to change.

This module aims to develop an understanding of electromagnetic waves with emphasis on:
(i) the vector calculus of electromagnetic theory,
(ii) the physical basis and predictions of this theory,
(ii) engineering application and implications of the results.

This is intended as a second module in electromagnetics, and students should be familiar with electromagnetic fields and vector calculus before taking this module.

Topics include:
- Maxwell's Equations (physical basis and vector calculus formalism);
- Electromagnetic waves in media and at boundaries;
- Electromagnetic analysis and design of waveguiding structures;
- Electromagnetic analysis of devices and components operating over a wide range of frequencies, including radio and optical;
- Antenna and transmission;
- Regulations & standards related to electromagnetic waves and their effects on humans.

About this Module

Learning Outcomes:

On the successful completion of this module students should be able to:
- Explain and derive the fundamental equations governing electromagnetic fields and waves;
- Apply the fundamental equations to a range of problems with different materials and frequencies, to derive solutions and then interpret the physical and engineering implications of those results;
- Design electromagnetic components to meet given specifications and compare the performance of alternative implementations or approaches;
- Communicate the results of their work in both written and oral form.

Indicative Module Content:

- Maxwell's Equations (physical basis and vector calculus formalism);
- Electromagnetic waves in media and at boundaries;
- Electromagnetic analysis and design of waveguiding structures;
- Electromagnetic analysis of devices and components operating over a wide range of frequencies, including optical and radio;
- Antenna and transmission;
- Regulations & standards related to electromagnetic waves and their effects on humans.

Student Effort Hours:
Student Effort Type Hours
Autonomous Student Learning

72

Lectures

36

Tutorial

6

Total

114


Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
Lectures cover the content of the module.
Tutorials provide an opportunity for students to develop problem-solving skills.

Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations
Learning Requirements:

Familiarity with electromagnetic theory to the level of EEEN20030 and mathematical skills particularly with calculus and partial differential equations.

Learning Recommendations:

Advanced calculus including multi-variable calculus;
Electric fields and magnetic fields.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Pre-requisite:
EEEN20030 - Electromagnetic Fields


 

Assessment Strategy
Description Timing Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade In Module Component Repeat Offered
Exam (In-person): End of term Exam:
2 hour exam - closed book
End of trimester
Duration:
2 hr(s)
Standard conversion grade scale 40% No
75
No
Quizzes/Short Exercises: 30 minute online quiz during scheduled class time. Week 5, Week 11 Standard conversion grade scale 40% No
20
No
Student Negotiated or Choice of Assessment: Group presentation, or group video presentation. Week 6, Week 7, Week 10, Week 12, Week 14 Pass/Fail Grade Scale No
5
No

Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 

Resit In Terminal Exam
Summer Yes - 2 Hour
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 

Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment
• Group/class feedback, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Students can request to view their script. Feedback will be provided to the class on the class test.