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CODE 90317
ACADEMIC YEAR 2026/2027
CREDITS
SCIENTIFIC DISCIPLINARY SECTOR IINF-02/A
LANGUAGE English
TEACHING LOCATION
  • GENOVA
SEMESTER 1° Semester
TEACHING MATERIALS AULAWEB

OVERVIEW

The course provides a comprehensive introduction to the fundamental principles of electromagnetic theory, equipping students with the tools required to understand the propagation of electromagnetic waves. Students will gain an understanding of how these waves behave in different media, including free space and guided structures. They will develop the ability to analyse electromagnetic phenomena, thereby acquiring a solid foundation for further study in this field.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The unit aims to provide knowledge and skills on the fundamental principles and analysis techniques of free and guided electromagnetic propagation, as well as of propagation in complex environments. These topics are discussed both from a theoretical point of view and with reference to different applicative examples.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

Upon successful completion of the unit, students will be able to:

  • explain the fundamental principles governing electromagnetic fields and wave propagation;
  • describe and analyse the main characteristics of free-space and guided electromagnetic propagation;
  • apply appropriate theoretical and analytical methods to solve basic electromagnetic propagation problems;
  • interpret the obtained results using appropriate physical quantities, notation, and technical terminology;
  • apply the theoretical concepts and methods presented during the unit to practical exercises.

PREREQUISITES

There are no specific formal prerequisites. However, basic knowledge of calculus and physics is recommended.

TEACHING METHODS

The unit consists of 48 hours of lectures. Theoretical concepts are complemented by application examples and exercises addressing the analysis of free-space and guided electromagnetic propagation.

Classes will be delivered in a hybrid format, simultaneously in person in the classroom and via live streaming on Microsoft Teams.

Students will have the opportunity to assess their understanding of the course content through optional periodic e-Xam self-assessment activities.

Students with valid certifications for Specific Learning Disorders (SLDs), disabilities or other educational needs are invited to contact the teacher and the School's contact person for disability at the beginning of teaching to agree on possible teaching arrangements that, while respecting the teaching objectives, take into account individual learning patterns. Contacts of the teacher and the School's disability contact person can be found at the following link https://unige.it/en/commissioni/comitatoperlinclusionedeglistudenticondisabilita

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

  • Remarks on electromagnetic fields
  • Maxwell's equations and constitutive equations
  • Radiation conditions
  • Plane waves
  • Propagation and attenuation of electromagnetic waves in lossless media
  • Uniform transmission lines
  • Characteristic impedance, loads, input impedance
  • Guided propagation in waveguides

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

  • S. Ramo, J. R. Whinnery, and T. Van Duzer. Fields and waves in communication electronics. John Wiley & Sons, 1994.
  • G. Franceschetti, Electromagnetics. Theory, Techniques, and Engineering Paradigms, Ed: Kluwer Academic/Plenum Publishers, 1997.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

LESSONS

LESSONS START

Information on the lesson schedule and starting date is available on the degree programme website:
https://corsi.unige.it/corsi/11962

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

The written examination consists of multiple-choice questions covering the entire course syllabus. The use of notes, textbooks, or programmable calculators is not permitted during the examination.

The examination is passed with a minimum grade of 18/30.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

The theoretical questions assess the student’s ability to explain the fundamental principles described in the learning outcomes and to apply the analytical methods presented during the unit.

The assessment takes into account:

  • knowledge and understanding of theoretical concepts;
  • correctness of the analytical procedures and calculations;
  • appropriateness of the selected solution methods;
  • ability to interpret the results obtained;
  • correct use of physical quantities, units, notation, and technical terminology.


The final grade is determined by the number of correct answers, according to the scoring criteria communicated before the examination.

FURTHER INFORMATION

For any additional information not included in the unit description, please contact the teachers.