Electrodynamics: In-depth Solutions for Maxwell’s Equations (Coursera)

Electrodynamics: In-depth Solutions for Maxwell’s Equations (Coursera)

This course is the fourth course in the Electrodynamics series, and is directly proceeded by Electrodynamics: Electric and Magnetic Fields. Previously, we have learned about visualization of fields and solutions which were not time dependent. Here, we will return to Maxwell's Equations and use them to produce wave equations which can be used to analyze complex systems, such as oscillating dipoles. We will also introduce AC circuits, and how they can be simplified, solved, and applied.

Class Deals by MOOC List - Click here and see Coursera's Active Discounts, Deals, and Promo Codes.

Learners will:
• Have a complete understanding of Maxwell's Equations and how they relate to the magnetic and electric potentials.
• Be able to solve problems related to moving charges, and add relativistic corrections to the equations
• Understand the different components in AC circuits, and how their presence can change the function of the circuit.
The approach taken in this course complements traditional approaches, covering a fairly complete treatment of the physics of electricity and magnetism, and adds Feynman’s unique and vital approach to grasping a picture of the physical universe. Furthermore, this course uniquely provides the link between the knowledge of electrodynamics and its practical applications to research in materials science, information technology, electrical engineering, chemistry, chemical engineering, energy storage, energy harvesting, and other materials related fields.

Course 4 of 4 in the Electrodynamics Specialization

Syllabus

WEEK 1
The Laws of Induction
This lecture will cover the concept of flux, EMF, and inductance. We will start by describing how the EMF is produced, how it can affect other units, and its different applications. Then, the relationship between coils of wire is described using mutual inductance, and the effect of a wire on itself is discussed in terms of self-inductance.

WEEK 2
The Maxwell Equations
In previous lectures, we have been working with a simple version of Maxwell’s 4th equation. In this lecture, we will discuss the more complete form, and all of the equations necessary to describe classical physics. Furthermore, we will start to analyze the concept of traveling fields, which propagate free from their source. Finally, we will present the wave equation for the magnetic and electric potentials.

WEEK 3
Maxwell's Equations in Free Space
Continuing from the previous lecture, we will discuss traveling waves in greater detail. We will expand on the wave equation by showing how both Electric and Magnetic fields also can be modeled by the 3-D wave equation. Furthermore, we will distinguish between how spherical and one-dimensional fields travel.

WEEK 4
Maxwell's Equations with Currents and Charges
In this lecture, we delve into deeply into relativistic and time-dependent solutions. To do this, we show how different equations can be corrected to account for position changes. We will expand on situations from previous lectures, and show how the equations modeling them will change if they are time-dependent. Finally we will discuss how Maxwell’s equations lead to the Lorentz transformation.

WEEK 5
Introduction to Alternating Circuits
Throughout this course, we have mostly analyzed charges or independent units of circuits. In this lecture, we will discuss the basics of analyzing full circuits, which assuming most situations are ideal. To do this, the concept of impedance will be introduced, along with techniques to solve and simplify an entire circuit.

WEEK 6
Final Project

Go to Class
MOOC List is learner-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Related Courses

Physics 102 - Electric Charges and Fields (Coursera) Coursera
Rice University

Physics 102 - Electric Charges and Fields (Coursera)

This course serves as an introduction to the physics of electricity and magnetism. Upon completion, learners will have an understanding of how the forces between electric charges are described by fields, and how these fields are related to electrical circuits. They will gain experience in solving physics problems with tools such as graphical analysis, algebra, vector analysis, and calculus. The course follows the typical progression of topics of a first-semester university physics course: charges, electric forces, electric fields potential, magnetic fields, currents, magnetic moments, electromagnetic induction, and circuits.

Oct 12th 2026
4 Weeks
Microwave engineering and antennas (Coursera) Coursera
Eindhoven University of Technology

Microwave engineering and antennas (Coursera)

This unique Master-level course provides you with in-depth know-how of microwave engineering and antennas. The course combines both passive and active microwave circuits as well as antenna systems. Future applications, like millimeter-wave 5G/beyond-5G wireless communications or automotive radar, require experts that can co-design highly integrated antenna systems that include both antennas and microwave electronics. We will provide you with the required theoretical foundation as well as hands-on experience using state-of-the-art design tools. The web lectures are supported by many on-line quizzes in which you can practice the background theory.

Oct 26th 2026
5-12 Weeks
Pre-University Physics (edX) EdX
Delft University of Technology,DelftX

Pre-University Physics (edX)

Prepare for your technical studies by reviewing the fundamentals of physics. Become familiar with the way physics and physics-related topics are taught at university level. Physics is the foundation of many important science and engineering disciplines. Understanding its basics is fundamental for advanced studies. In this course, you will have the chance to review the fundamentals either for your own interest, or to ensure you have a smooth start in the first year of your Bachelor’s degree.

Self Paced
Self-Paced
Energía eléctrica: conceptos y principios básicos (edX) EdX
Tecnológico de Monterrey,TecdeMonterreyX

Energía eléctrica: conceptos y principios básicos (edX)

Aprende los conceptos básicos de la electricidad, para comprenderla, saber medirla y utilizarla de manera eficiente. Actualmente el uso de la electricidad es algo cotidiano, sin embargo, muy pocas personas conocen los conceptos y principios básicos que permiten comprender como funciona, cuáles son sus parámetros básicos, cómo se miden o cómo hacer un mejor uso de la energía. Este curso de electricidad presenta conceptos básicos como voltaje, corriente y resistencia que te permitirán comprender cómo se mide la potencia y el consumo de energía.En este curso entenderás que es la energía eléctrica y su importancia.

Self Paced
Self-Paced
Renewable Energy: Sustainable Electricity Supply with Microgrids (FutureLearn) FutureLearn
University of Leeds

Renewable Energy: Sustainable Electricity Supply with Microgrids (FutureLearn)

Explore approaches to electrification, microgrids, and how to harness this form of renewable energy to achieve sustainability. Learn and assess different electrification approaches from around the world. On this two-week course, you will learn how electricity is generated globally and explore different approaches to electrification. You will then learn technical aspects of electrification options via a national grid, off grid, micro and mini grids and reflect on the barriers to affordable, clean and fair access to electricity.

Self Paced
2 Weeks
Electrical Industry: Production and Economics (FutureLearn) FutureLearn
University of Padova

Electrical Industry: Production and Economics (FutureLearn)

Understand how the electricity system has developed over time, see what the future holds and the need to move to decarbonisation. Discover how electricity is produced and exchanged and the reasons behind it. This innovative, three-week course from the University of Padova is designed to illustrate how electricity is produced, and exchanged, and why.

Self Paced
4 Weeks
Cybersecurity Policy for Water and Electricity Infrastructures (Coursera) Coursera
University of Colorado System

Cybersecurity Policy for Water and Electricity Infrastructures (Coursera)

This course will examine the drinking water and electricity infrastructures, and various policies that have been developed to help guide and strengthen their cybersecurity programs. The drinking water and electricity infrastructures are two of fourteen subsectors comprising what are known as "lifeline infrastructure". The 2013 National Infrastructure Protection Plan identifies four lifeline infrastructure sectors: 1) water, 2) energy, 3) transportation, and 4) communications. These sectors are designated "lifeline" because many other infrastructures depend upon them.

Oct 19th 2026
4 Weeks
Optical Efficiency and Resolution (Coursera) Coursera
University of Colorado Boulder

Optical Efficiency and Resolution (Coursera)

This course can also be taken for academic credit as ECEA 5601, part of CU Boulder’s Master of Science in Electrical Engineering degree. Optical instruments are how we see the world, from corrective eyewear to medical endoscopes to cell phone cameras to orbiting telescopes. This course will teach you how to design such optical systems with simple mathematical and graphical techniques.

Oct 19th 2026
5-12 Weeks
Magnetics for Power Electronic Converters (Coursera) Coursera
CIRES, University of Colorado at Boulder

Magnetics for Power Electronic Converters (Coursera)

This course covers the analysis and design of magnetic components, including inductors and transformers, used in power electronic converters. The course starts with an introduction to physical principles behind inductors and transformers, including the concepts of inductance, core material saturation, airgap and energy storage in inductors, reluctance and magnetic circuit modeling, transformer equivalent circuits, magnetizing and leakage inductance.

Oct 12th 2026
4 Weeks
Renewable Power and Electricity Systems (Coursera) Coursera
University of Colorado Boulder

Renewable Power and Electricity Systems (Coursera)

The energy revolution in underway. Renewable energy is growing at an astounding pace - notably in electricity. Wind turbines and solar photovoltaic (PV) systems account for most new power plants built worldwide, and are essential to building a low-carbon and sustainable energy future. As a result, there are countless new opportunities in renewable electricity.

Oct 12th 2026
5-12 Weeks