ELEC ENG 2FH3

Fall/Winter 2015/16
Course Outline
ELEC ENG 2FH3
Electromagnetics I
Fall/Winter 2015/16
Course Outline
CALENDAR/COURSE DESCRIPTION
Mathematical foundations of electromagnetics (selected topics of vector calculus); electrostatics, magnetostatics and
conduction; introduction to time-varying fields through Faraday's law.
PRE-REQUISITES AND ANTI-REQUISITES
Prerequisite(s): Registration in any Computer Engineering or Electrical Engineering Program, ELECENG 2CI4 or
ELECENG 2CI5; and PHYSICS 1E03
SCHEDULE
Lectures: Monday, Wednesday & Thursday 10:30 am 11:20 am
Tutorial: Tuesday 12:30 pm 1:20 pm
Labs: (None)
INSTRUCTOR OFFICE HOURS AND CONTACT INFORMATION
Dr. Natalia Nikolova
ITB-A220
[email protected]
ext. 27141

Office Hours:
Monday 3:30 pm to 4:30 pm
Tuesday 1:30 pm to 3:00 pm
Or by appointment

TEACHING ASSISTANT OFFICE HOURS AND CONTACT INFORMATION

Denys Shumakov
Alex Beaverstone
Daniel Tajik
Tyler Steine
Shamsuddeen Nalakath
Haoding Li

ITB-A201
ITB-A201
ITB-A201
MARC
MARC
MARC

[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]

Office Hours:
Monday to Friday
2:30 pm to 4:30 pm
in ITB-155

Page 1 of 9

ELEC ENG 2FH3

Fall/Winter 2015/16
Course Outline
COURSE WEBSITE/ALTERNATE METHODS OF COMMUNICATION
http://www.ece.mcmaster.ca/faculty/nikolova/EM_2FH3.htm
http://avenue.mcmaster.ca/
COURSE OBJECTIVES
By the end of this course, students should be able to:
Ability to link the electric field strength and orientation to the distance to charge distributions and charge
configurations or distributions (Indicators 1.2, 1.3, 8.1).
Ability to link the magnetic field strength and orientation to the distance of electric current configurations or
distributions (Indicators 1.2, 1.3, 8.1).
Understanding the field theoretical origins of Kirchhoffs voltage and current laws and these laws limitation
when applied to high-frequency fields (Indicators 1.2, 1.3, 2.1).
Understanding the principle of superposition and the difference between the superposition of scalar field
quantities and that of vectorial field quantities (Indicators 1.2, 1.3).
Understanding the limitations of the superposition principle as applicable to linear media only (Indicators 1.3,
2.1.)
Understanding the impact of metals on static electric fields and the use of metals for shielding and electrical
isolation (Indicators 1.3, 2.1, 8.1).
Understanding the phenomenon of dielectric polarization and ability to predict the capacitance of simple
structures (Indicators 1.2, 1.3).
Understanding the phenomenon of electrical conduction and the concept of resistance (or conductance).
Understanding the difference between conductors and superconductors. Ability to predict the resistance of
simple structures (Indicators 1.2, 1.3).
Basic understanding of the interaction of the electric and magnetic field with matter and the concepts of
heterogeneity, anisotropy and nonlinearity (Indicators 1.2, 1.3).
Understanding the fundamental importance of the conservation of charge and its implications in circuit
analysis and charge relaxation (Indicators 1.2, 1.3).
Understanding the nature of electric energy, magnetic energy, power, and power dissipation (Indicators 1.2,
1.3).
Understanding the link between the electric and magnetic field as the two sides of the same phenomenon,
the electromagnetic field (Indicators 1.2).
Ability to apply vector calculus to the solution of simple electric and magnetic analysis in the three basic
orthogonal coordinate systems: rectangular, spherical, and cylindrical (Indicators 1.2, 5.2).
Ability to create simple software for the calculation of electric and magnetic fields through the principle of
superposition provided the charge or current sources are specified (Indicator 5.2).
Understanding the process of discretization as an approximation of continuous media and field distributions.
Understanding the impact of the discretization mesh on the accuracy of the solutions (Indicators 2.1, 5.2).
Ability to understand the process of implementing an engineering idea and the associated labor and material
costs (Indicators 6.1, 11.3).
Page 2 of 9

ELEC ENG 2FH3

Fall/Winter 2015/16
Course Outline

ASSUMED KNOWLEDGE
Mathematics: Vector Algebra, Ordinary and Partial Differential Equations, Complex Number Algebra, Differentiation
and Integration over 1, 2, and 3 variables, Coordinate Systems, Basic Vector Calculus (gradient, divergence and curl
in rectangular coordinates) electrical and biomedical streams only.
Physics: Electric field of a point charge, Coulombs law, Magnetic field of a straight wire with current, Ampres law
Electrical Engineering: Kirchhoffs laws, resistors, capacitors, inductors
COURSE MATERIALS
Required Texts:
Hayt/Buck, Engineering Electromagnetics, 8th ed., McGraw-Hill
Calculator:
Only the McMaster Standard Calculator will be permitted in tests and examinations. This is available at the Campus
Store.
Other Materials:
Reference Books (additional reading for practicing and problem solving):
1. Joseph A. Edminister, Shaums Outlines on Electromagnetics, any edition, McGraw-Hill.
2. Syed A. Nasar, 2008+ Solved Problems in Electromagnetics, Scitech, 2008.
Both are placed on reserve in the THODE library.
Course Notes and Assignments Guide:
Available for download from course webpage

COURSE OVERVIEW
Date/Week
Week #1
Week #2
Week #3
Week #4
Week #5
Week #6
Week #7
Week #8
Week #9
Week #10
Week #11
Week #12

Topic
Introduction, Orthogonal Coordinate Systems
Orthogonal Coordinate Systems, Coulombs Law, Charge Density
Scalar Integration over Lines, Surfaces and Volumes; Total Charge
Vector Superposition Electric Field; Electric Flux and Gauss Law
Electric Potential; Electric Field Work and Energy
Electric Current and Current Density, Conductivity
Charge Relaxation, Joules Law, Resistance and Conductance
Dielectrics and Polarization; Permittivity and Susceptibility
Capacitance; Boundary Conditions at Dielectric Interfaces
Magnetic Forces and the Magnetostatic Field
Ampres Law, Curl of a Vector, Gauss Law of Magnetism
Inductance and Faradays Law

Readings
Textbook, posted notes
Same
Same
Same
Same
Same
Same
same
Same
Same
Same
Same
Page 3 of 9

ELEC ENG 2FH3

Fall/Winter 2015/16
Course Outline

LABORATORY OVERVIEW:

NOT APPLICABLE

ASSESSMENT
Component
Final examination
Midterm Test
Assignments
Quizzes
Total

Weight
50%
25%
20%
5%
100%

No make-up quizzes will be granted. No make-up midterm tests will be granted. If a student misses a quiz or the
midterm for valid reasons, the weight of the missed work will be transferred to the weight of the final exam. Late
assignments will be given zero mark. If a student misses an assignment for a valid reason, the weight of the missed
assignment will be transferred to the weight of the remaining assignments. Bell curving will not be applied.
ACCREDITATION LEARNING OUTCOMES
Note: The Learning Outcomes defined in this section are measured throughout the course and form part of the
Departments continuous improvement process. They are a key component of the accreditation process for the
program and will not be taken into consideration in determining a students actual grade in the course. For more
information on accreditation, please ask your instructor or visit: http://www.engineerscanada.ca .

Outcomes

Ability to link the electric field strength and orientation to the

distance to charge distributions and charge configurations or
distributions.
Ability to link the magnetic field strength and orientation to the
distance of electric current configurations or distributions.
Understanding the field theoretical origins of Kirchhoffs voltage
and current laws and these laws limitation when applied to
high-frequency fields.
Understanding the principle of superposition and the difference
between the superposition of scalar field quantities and that of
vectorial field quantities.
Understanding the limitations of the superposition principle as
applicable to linear media only.
Understanding the impact of metals on static electric fields and
the use of metals for shielding and electrical isolation.
Understanding the phenomenon of dielectric polarization and
ability to predict the capacitance of simple structures.
Understanding the phenomenon of electrical conduction and
the concept of resistance (or conductance). Understanding the
difference between conductors and superconductors. Ability to
predict the resistance of simple structures.

Indicators
1.2, 1.3, 8.1

Measurement Methods(s)
Midterm, final and assignment

1.2, 1.3, 8.1

Final and assignments

1.2, 1.3, 2.1

1.2, 1.3

Quizzes and final

1.3, 2.1

Quizzes

1.3, 2.1, 8.1

Final exam

1.2, 1.3

Midterm and final

1.2, 1.3

Quiz and final

Page 4 of 9

ELEC ENG 2FH3

Fall/Winter 2015/16
Course Outline
Basic understanding of the interaction of the electric and
magnetic field with matter and the concepts of heterogeneity,
anisotropy and nonlinearity.
Understanding the fundamental importance of the conservation
of charge and its implications in circuit analysis and charge
relaxation.
Understanding the nature of electric energy, magnetic energy,
power, and power dissipation.
Understanding the link between the electric and magnetic field
as the two sides of the same phenomenon, the electromagnetic
field.
Ability to apply vector calculus to the solution of simple electric
and magnetic analysis in the three basic orthogonal coordinate
systems: rectangular, spherical, and cylindrical.
Ability to create simple software for the calculation of electric
and magnetic fields through the principle of superposition
provided the charge or current sources are specified.
Understanding the process of discretization as an approximation
of continuous media and field distributions. Understanding the
impact of the discretization mesh on the accuracy of the
solutions.
Ability to understand the process of implementing and
engineering idea and the associated labor and material costs.

1.2, 1.3

Quiz

1.2, 1.3

Midterm and final

1.2, 1.3

Midterm and final

1.2

Midterm and final

1.2, 5.2

Midterm

5.2

Assignments

2.1, 5.2

Assignments

6.1, 11.3

Assignments

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY
You are expected to exhibit honesty and use ethical behaviour in all aspects of the learning process. Academic
credentials you earn are rooted in principles of honesty and academic integrity.
Academic dishonesty is to knowingly act or fail to act in a way that results or could result in unearned academic credit
or advantage. This behaviour can result in serious consequences, e.g. the grade of zero on an assignment, loss of
credit with a notation on the transcript (notation reads: Grade of F assigned for academic dishonesty), and/or
suspension or expulsion from the university.
It is your responsibility to understand what constitutes academic dishonesty. For information on the various types of
academic dishonesty please refer to the Academic Integrity Policy, located at
http://www.mcmaster.ca/academicintegrity
The following illustrates only three forms of academic dishonesty:
1. Plagiarism, e.g. the submission of work that is not ones own or for which other credit has been obtained.
2. Improper collaboration in group work.
3. Copying or using unauthorized aids in tests and examinations.
ACADEMIC ACCOMMODATIONS

Page 5 of 9

ELEC ENG 2FH3

Fall/Winter 2015/16
Course Outline
Students who require academic accommodation must contact Student accessibility Services (SAS) to make
arrangements with a Program Coordinator. Academic accommodations must be arranged for each term of study.
Student Accessibility Services can be contact by phone at 905.525.9140 ext. 28652 or e-mail at [email protected].
For further information, consult McMaster Universitys Policy for Academic Accommodation of Students with
Disabilities.
NOTIFICATION OF STUDENT ABSENCE AND SUBMISSION OF REQUEST FOR RELIEF FOR MISSED ACADEMIC WORK
1. If you are seeking relief for missed academic work because of an absence lasting less than three days in
duration, you must use the McMaster Student Absence Form.
2. Absences lasting more than three days must be reported to the Associate Deans Office (JHE-A214) and
appropriate documentation must be provided. For medical absences, the University reserves the right to
require students to obtain medical documentation from the Student Wellness Centre.
3. You should expect to have academic commitments Monday through Saturday but not on Sunday or
statutory holidays.
4. Students may submit requests for relief using the MSAF once per term. You must report to the Associate
Deans Office (JHE-A214) for any request for relief in a term where the MSAF has been used previously in
that term. Relief for missed academic work is not guaranteed.
5. You are responsible to contact your instructor(s) immediately to discuss the appropriate relief. Failure to do
so may negate the opportunity for relief.
6. It is the prerogative of the instructor of the course to determine the appropriate relief for missed term work in
his/her course.
NOTICE REGARDING POSSIBLE COURSE MODIFICATION
The instructor and university reserve the right to modify elements of the course during the term. The university may
change the dates and deadlines for any or all courses in extreme circumstances. If either type of modification
becomes necessary, reasonable notice and communication with the students will be given with explanation and the
opportunity to comment on changes. It is the responsibility of the student to check their McMaster email and course
websites weekly during the term and to note any changes.
ON-LINE STATEMENT FOR COURSES REQUIRING ONLINE ACCESS OR WORK
In this course, we will be using Avenue to Learn. Students should be aware that, when they access the electronic
components of this course, private information such as first and last names, user names for the McMaster e-mail
accounts, and program affiliation may become apparent to all other students in the same course. The available
information is dependent on the technology used. Continuation in this course will be deemed consent to this
disclosure. If you have any questions or concerns about such disclosure, please discuss this with the course
instructor.

Page 6 of 9

ELEC ENG 2FH3

Fall/Winter 2015/16
Course Outline
013

Electrical and Computer Engineering Lab Safety

Information for Laboratory Safety and Important Contacts
This document is for users of ECE instructional laboratories in the Information
Technology Building.
This document provides important information for the healthy and safe operation of ECE
instructional laboratories. This document is required reading for all laboratory
supervisors, instructors, researchers, staff, and students working in or managing
instructional laboratories in ECE. It is expected that revisions and updates to this
document will be done continually. A McMaster University lab manual is also available
to read in every laboratory.

General Health and Safety Principles

Good laboratory practice requires that every laboratory worker and supervisor observe
the following:
1. Food and beverages are not permitted in the instructional laboratories.
2. A Laboratory Information Sheet on each lab door identifying potential hazards and
emergency contact names should be known.
3. Laboratory equipment should only be used for its designed purpose.
4. Proper and safe use of lab equipment should be known before using it.
5. The course TA leading the lab should be informed of any unsafe condition.
6. The location and correct use of all available safety equipment should be known.
7. Potential hazards and appropriate safety precautions should be determined, and
sufficiency of existing safety equipment should be confirmed before beginning new
operations.
8. Proper waste disposal procedures should be followed.

Location of Safety Equipment

Fire Extinguisher
On walls in halls outside of labs

Telephone
On the wall of every lab near the door

First Aid Kit

ITB A111, or dial 88 after 4:30 p.m.

Fire Alarm Pulls

Near all building exit doors on all floors

Page 7 of 9

ELEC ENG 2FH3

Fall/Winter 2015/16
Course Outline

Who to Contact
Emergency Medical / Security: On McMaster University campus, call Security at extension 88 or 905-5224135 from a cell phone.
Non-Emergency Accident or Incident: Immediately inform the TA on duty or Course Instructor.
University Security (Enquiries / Non-Emergency): Dial 24281 on a McMaster phone or dial 905-525-9140
ext. 24281 from a cell phone.
See TA or Instructor: For problems with heat, ventilation, fire extinguishers, or immediate repairs
Environmental & Occupational Health Support Services (EOHSS): For health and safety questions dial
24352 on a McMaster phone or dial 905-525-9140 ext. 24352 from a cell phone.
ECE Specific Instructional Laboratory Concerns: For non-emergency questions specific to the ECE

In Case of a Fire (Dial 88)

When calling to report a fire, give name, exact location, and building.
1. Immediately vacate the building via the nearest Exit Route. Do not use elevators!
2. Everyone is responsible for knowing the location of the nearest fire extinguisher, the
fire alarm, and the nearest fire escape.
3. The safety of all people in the vicinity of a fire is of foremost importance. But do not
endanger yourself!
4. In the event of a fire in your work area shout Fire!" and pull the nearest fire alarm.
5. Do not attempt to extinguish a fire unless you are confident it can be done in a
prompt and safe manner utilizing a hand-held fire extinguisher. Use the appropriate fire
extinguisher for the specific type of fire. Most labs are equipped with Class A, B, and C
extinguishers. Do not attempt to extinguish Class D fires which involve combustible
metals such as magnesium, titanium, sodium, potassium, zirconium, lithium, and any
other finely divided metals which are oxidizable. Use a fire sand bucket for Class D
fires.
6. Do not attempt to fight a major fire on your own.
7. If possible, make sure the room is evacuated; close but do not lock the door and
safely exit the building.

Clothing on Fire
Do not use a fire extinguisher on people
1. Douse with water from safety shower immediately or
2. Roll on floor and scream for help or
3. Wrap with fire blanket to smother flame (a coat or other nonflammable fiber may be
used if blanket is unavailable). Do not wrap a standing person; rather, lay the victim
down to extinguish the fire. The blanket should be removed once the fire is out to
disperse the heat.
Page 8 of 9

ELEC ENG 2FH3

Fall/Winter 2015/16
Course Outline

Equipment Failure or Hazard

Failure of equipment may be indicative of a safety hazard - You must report all
incidents.
Should you observe excessive heat, excessive noise, damage, and/or abnormal
behaviour of the lab equipment:
1. Immediately discontinue use of the equipment.
2. In Power Lab, press wall-mounted emergency shut-off button.
3. Inform your TA of the problem.
4. Wait for further instructions from your TA.
5. TA must file an incident report.

Protocol for Safe Laboratory Practice

Leave equipment in a safe state for the next person - if youre not sure, ask!
In general, leave equipment in a safe state when you finish with it. When in doubt,
consult the course TA.

Defined Roles
TA
ECE Lab Supervisor
ECE Chair
ECE Administrator
ECE Course Instructor

The first point of contact for lab supervision

Steve Spencer- ITB 147
[email protected]
Tim Davidson- ITB A111 [email protected]
Kerri Hastings- ITB A111 [email protected]
Please contact your specific course instructor directly

Page 9 of 9