Integration of basic electromagnetism and engineering technology

The theory of electromagnetism is taught as a part of most contemporary electrical engineering curricula. Usually a basic course is intended to cover all the fundamental electromagnetic theory which is needed in later engineering courses. However it is often found that students fail to understand and retain much of the course material, which in turn makes their subsequent studies more difficult. We describe a freshman course in electromagnetism which alleviates these problems. Our hypothesis is that the course material is difficult to grasp because of its abstract nature. Consequently the purely theoretical course contents have been reduced to a core of fundamental principles. These are combined with the study of magnetic properties of materials closely related to manufacturer's data sheets. To enhance the understanding of these fundamentals, practical topics from engineering technology are included. Components or systems that combine magnetic, electrical and mechanical aspects are preferred. Also, a series of hands-on lab projects give the students an opportunity to learn by doing. The topics that are covered by the course are outlined. By integrating the teaching of basic physical laws and their application in technology students get a more comprehensive understanding of electromagnetism, and they are able to apply the physical principles to problems they encounter later in their careers.