Engineering Physics

Course Outline


Welcome to Engineering Physics for Computer Science. This course focuses on the essential physics behind computing, communication systems, semiconductor devices, electromagnetic theory, and modern photonic technologies — all explained with applications relevant to Computer Science and Engineering.


Module I: Vector Algebra & Fields

  • Gradient, divergence and curl — definitions and physical significance
  • Gauss’ Divergence Theorem with applications
  • Stokes’ Theorem and applications to field circulation

Module II: Electrostatics & Magnetostatics

  • Coulomb’s law and electric field due to charge distributions
  • Electrostatic potential and potential energy of charge systems
  • Gauss’ law in electrostatics and its applications
  • Magnetic fields due to currents (Biot–Savart, Ampère’s law, Gauss’ law for magnetism)
  • Equation of continuity and conservation of charge

Module III: Electrodynamics & Maxwell’s Equations

  • Faraday’s laws of electromagnetic induction
  • Displacement current and generalized Ampère-Maxwell law
  • Maxwell’s equations — differential and integral forms
  • Electromagnetic wave equation and EM wave propagation in free space

Module IV: Semiconductors & Superconductivity

  • Basics of semiconductors: bands, carriers, conductivity
  • PN junctions, diodes, transistor action (qualitative)
  • Superconductivity — phenomena, properties, types
  • Meissner effect and critical parameters
  • Applications in quantum computing and cryoelectronics

Module V: LASERs & Optical Fibers

  • LASER fundamentals and electronic transitions
  • Population inversion and properties of LASER light
  • Ruby LASER and He–Ne LASER — basic working principles
  • Optical fiber structure, modes and propagation mechanism
  • Fiber-optic communication systems and applications

By the end of this course, you will understand the physics that enables computers, semiconductor devices, communication networks, optical systems, and advanced technologies like quantum computing.