Recommended Books and Key Topics to Study Before Graduate Electromagnetics Program

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#1 21669297 03 Aug 2013 11:42

Vignesh Arul Vignesh Arul

Anonymous

Post #1
21669297 03 Aug 2013 11:42

hi guys,

I have just finished my undergraduate course. i decided on electromagnetics for my graduate studies, since i did a project relating to antennas in my under grad. I already got an admit in the United States for my Graduate studies.

My foundations in electrical engineering are pretty weak, and i really want to improve them before i start my graduate course.

I would really appreciate some help on the insights of the course.
I would also like to know which areas/topics i should start to study to learn the subject.
Suggestions on books to refer are also appreciated.

Thanks for your suggestions.
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#2 21669298 03 Aug 2013 11:59

David Adams David Adams

Anonymous

Post #2
21669298 03 Aug 2013 11:59

If you did not have electromagetic field theory in your undergrad you will definitely need it in your grad work. I know that some E-mag is needed for antenna work but you will definitely need alot more in-depth.
#3 21669299 03 Aug 2013 13:00

Vignesh Arul Vignesh Arul

Anonymous

Post #3
21669299 03 Aug 2013 13:00

oh , yea it does seem that i have a Electromagnetic field theory as one of the courses listed, i was thinking of taking it too

Thanks David.
#4 21669300 03 Aug 2013 14:52

Frank Bushnell Frank Bushnell

Anonymous

Post #4
21669300 03 Aug 2013 14:52

You haven't told us what your undergraduate course was !

The following sites offer free courses of instruction and advice for beginners. Have look at a few, and discover which one(s) suit your approach. Many sites have a user forum for asking questions on any technical aspect.
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http://www.allaboutcircuits.com - a series of online textbooks covering electricity and electronics

www.learnabout-electronics.org/index.php - Descriptions of components and principles, good diagrams, animations, & fault-finding techniques

http://www.satcure-focus.com/hobby/index.htm - Useful range of ideas tutorials circuits links etc

http://electronics-for-beginners.com/links.php

http://www.hobby-hour.com/electronics/ - Teaching from basic principles, resistor code calculators, projects

http://www.radio-electronics.com - useful information and tutorials

http://www.electronics-tutorials.ws/index.html - plus calculators & tools
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#5 21669301 03 Aug 2013 15:03

Vignesh Arul Vignesh Arul

Anonymous

Post #5
21669301 03 Aug 2013 15:03

Thanks Frank!

btw, my undergraduate was in Electronics and Communication Engineering,
But, sadly the quality of education in my institution was regretfully horrible.

This is why i chose the United States for my graduate studies
#6 21669302 03 Aug 2013 15:40

Nick Cholas Nick Cholas

Anonymous

Post #6
21669302 03 Aug 2013 15:40

Welcome to EEWeb Vignesh! I hope you enjoy your time here. As you investigate different avenues of study you can take a look at some of the content over on our "Articles":http://www.eeweb.com/articles/ page. You can find interesting content according to very specific parameters of interest.
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#7 21669303 03 Aug 2013 15:43

Frank Bushnell Frank Bushnell

Anonymous

Post #7
21669303 03 Aug 2013 15:43

I think you will find the information and courses on these sites to provide excellent knowledge reinforcement, and helpful to fill the gaps left by your previous training.

It will be immensely useful if you have electronics as a home hobby, doing practical projects and experiments, making your own discoveries and proving principles for yourself..
#8 21669304 04 Aug 2013 02:51

Vignesh Arul Vignesh Arul

Anonymous

Post #8
21669304 04 Aug 2013 02:51

Thanks! The links were really helpful.
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#9 21669305 04 Aug 2013 02:51

Vignesh Arul Vignesh Arul

Anonymous

Post #9
21669305 04 Aug 2013 02:51

thanks!
#10 21669306 05 Aug 2013 17:56

Franklin Rey Pacquiao Franklin Rey Pacquiao

Anonymous

Post #10
21669306 05 Aug 2013 17:56

Hello Vignesh!
For an ECE who is a beginner on Electromagnetics, I suggest you should read on Elements of Electromagnetics by Matthew N.O. Sadiku (http://www.amazon.com/Elements-Electromagnetics-Matthew-N-O-Sadiku/dp/0195387759). You can also read the books on Engineering Electromagnetics by Hayt and Buck (http://ieee-books.blogspot.com/2011/10/engineering-electromagnetics-hayt-buck.html) and Fundamentals of Applied Electromagnetics by Fawwaz T. Ulaby (http://www.amazon.com/books/dp/0132139316).
Important topics to start learning: Vector Analysis, Electrostatics and Magnetostatics
#11 21669307 06 Aug 2013 00:37

Vignesh Arul Vignesh Arul

Anonymous

Post #11
21669307 06 Aug 2013 00:37

Thanks Franklin!
Can you suggest more important topics to start learning?
Really appreciate your help.
#12 21669308 06 Aug 2013 03:44

Franklin Rey Pacquiao Franklin Rey Pacquiao

Anonymous

Post #12
21669308 06 Aug 2013 03:44

You need to learn first about Vector Analysis because this is the fundamental mathematical approach when learning about Electrostatics and Magnetostatics. Basically, Electromagnetics can be subdivided into three categories: Electrostatics, Magnetostatics and Dynamics. Electrostatics deals with stationary charges while Magnetostatics corresponds to steady currents. Dynamics, the third and more general branch of electromagnetics, involves time-varying fields induced by time-varying sources, that is, currents and charge densities.
Just read the three references I have suggested to you to have a greater understanding on the said topics. I believed there are ebooks available online of the three books that I just mentioned above.
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Topic summary

✨ A graduate student preparing for advanced studies in electromagnetics seeks foundational knowledge due to weak undergraduate electrical engineering background. Key recommendations emphasize mastering Electromagnetic Field Theory, which is essential beyond basic antenna work. Foundational topics to study include Vector Analysis, Electrostatics (stationary charges), Magnetostatics (steady currents), and Electromagnetic Dynamics (time-varying fields and sources). Suggested textbooks are "Elements of Electromagnetics" by Matthew N.O. Sadiku, "Engineering Electromagnetics" by Hayt and Buck, and "Fundamentals of Applied Electromagnetics" by Fawwaz T. Ulaby. Additionally, several online resources provide free tutorials and practical electronics projects to reinforce learning, including allaboutcircuits.com, learnabout-electronics.org, and electronics-tutorials.ws. Practical experimentation and hobbyist electronics are encouraged to solidify theoretical concepts.
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FAQ

TL;DR: Start with vector analysis, then electrostatics and magnetostatics; EM has 3 core branches. "You need to learn first about Vector Analysis." [Elektroda, Franklin Rey Pacquiao, post #21669308]

Why it matters: This roadmap helps undergrads with weak foundations get grad‑school ready for antennas and field theory.

Core branches to master: 3 (Electrostatics, Magnetostatics, Dynamics). [Elektroda, Franklin Rey Pacquiao, post #21669308]
First topics to study: Vector analysis → Electrostatics → Magnetostatics. [Elektroda, Franklin Rey Pacquiao, post #21669306]
Expect Electromagnetic Field Theory early in grad school requirements. [Elektroda, David Adams, post #21669298]
Starter textbooks cited by mentors: Sadiku; Hayt & Buck; Ulaby. [Elektroda, Franklin Rey Pacquiao, post #21669306]
Free beginner primers: All About Circuits, Learnabout‑Electronics, Radio‑Electronics, and more. [Elektroda, Frank Bushnell, post #21669300]

Quick Facts

Core branches to master: 3 (Electrostatics, Magnetostatics, Dynamics). [Elektroda, Franklin Rey Pacquiao, post #21669308]
First topics to study: Vector analysis → Electrostatics → Magnetostatics. [Elektroda, Franklin Rey Pacquiao, post #21669306]
Expect Electromagnetic Field Theory early in grad school requirements. [Elektroda, David Adams, post #21669298]
Starter textbooks cited by mentors: Sadiku; Hayt & Buck; Ulaby. [Elektroda, Franklin Rey Pacquiao, post #21669306]
Free beginner primers: All About Circuits, Learnabout‑Electronics, Radio‑Electronics, and more. [Elektroda, Frank Bushnell, post #21669300]

What should I study first for graduate electromagnetics?

Begin with vector analysis. Then tackle electrostatics and magnetostatics to build field intuition. This sequence underpins antenna and wave topics later. “You need to learn first about Vector Analysis.” [Elektroda, Franklin Rey Pacquiao, post #21669306]

Which textbooks are best to start with?

Use these three widely assigned intros: Sadiku’s Elements of Electromagnetics, Hayt & Buck’s Engineering Electromagnetics, and Ulaby’s Fundamentals of Applied Electromagnetics. Three starter texts give balanced math and applications. [Elektroda, Franklin Rey Pacquiao, post #21669306]

Why is vector analysis essential for EM?

Vector calculus is the language of fields. It frames charge, current, and flux, and prepares you for Maxwell’s equations. “You need to learn first about Vector Analysis.” Skipping it slows progress later. [Elektroda, Franklin Rey Pacquiao, post #21669308]

What are the core branches of electromagnetics?

EM splits into three: Electrostatics (stationary charges), Magnetostatics (steady currents), and Dynamics (time‑varying fields and sources). This structure guides your course plan. [Elektroda, Franklin Rey Pacquiao, post #21669308]

Do I need Electromagnetic Field Theory before advanced antenna courses?

Yes. Field theory deepens the math and physics you touched in undergrad antennas. Expect more depth and breadth at the graduate level. [Elektroda, David Adams, post #21669298]

Where can I find quality free primers before classes start?

Try structured online textbooks and tutorials: All About Circuits, Learnabout‑Electronics, Radio‑Electronics, and similar sites. Use forums for questions. [Elektroda, Frank Bushnell, post #21669300]

How can I build practical intuition at home?

Do small experiments and projects. Hands‑on work reinforces concepts and fills training gaps. Keep a lab notebook of results and mistakes. [Elektroda, Frank Bushnell, post #21669303]

What’s a simple 3‑step plan to prep before classes?

Work through a vector analysis refresher.
Read electrostatics and magnetostatics chapters from a recommended text.
Reinforce with free online tutorials and forum Q&A. [Elektroda, Frank Bushnell, post #21669300]

I have weak foundations—can I still catch up?

Yes. Reinforce core topics with structured courses and practical exercises. Target gaps from prior training and validate understanding with projects. [Elektroda, Frank Bushnell, post #21669303]

What topics will I likely see in the first semester?

Plan for electromagnetic field theory early, expanding far beyond basic antenna exposure. Expect a heavier mathematical treatment. [Elektroda, David Adams, post #21669298]

Are ebooks of the recommended texts available?

Yes, mentors note ebooks exist for the suggested titles. Compare legal editions from publishers or libraries. [Elektroda, Franklin Rey Pacquiao, post #21669308]

What’s one common pitfall beginners face?

Skipping vector analysis. It causes struggles in electrostatics and magnetostatics and slows later progress in dynamics. [Elektroda, Franklin Rey Pacquiao, post #21669308]

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