Magnetism exists all around us in our daily lives. Whether it’s using our planet's magnetic field to direct our airplanes and ships to the workings of everyday appliances, magnetism has a direct impact on our lives. This free online course gives you an introduction to magnetism that will help you understand its overarching concepts. The course kicks off by taking you through a brief history of the object called a ‘magnet’. The learner will be provided with a classification of the various types of magnets that exist. A key portion of the material will look at the differences between them and an analysis of the different properties of magnets will be carried out. Whether it's magnetic attraction or repulsion or attractive and directive properties you want to know more about, this course has got you covered. Another key part of magnetism is the magnetic field surrounding a magnet. Identification of magnetic flux lines and the properties of magnetic lines of force will be the main focus within this part of the course.

Are you aware that magnetism is a universal phenomenon? And that the earth also has its own north and south magnetic poles? If not, then you have clicked on the right course! The next section provides the learner with an introduction to the concept of the earth’s magnetic field or geomagnetism. It describes how the magnetic fields from different sources permeate things in distant galaxies, humans and even minute atoms. An illustration explaining terrestrial magnetism will be provided so that the learner can grasp the mapping of a magnetic field at different points in space. Next, a key instrument that is used widely in today’s world will be explained when the key concepts and workings of a compass will be discussed. How this instrument can be used in order to find direction will also be illustrated.

As the course moves on, you look at some key formulas and terms used in the science of magnetism. Firstly, you will analyze magnetic flux and its density along with key formulae. Secondly, an explanation of magnetic and relative permeability and their formulas will be provided. Once you understand these concepts, you will be provided with a classification of magnets into different materials based on their susceptibility and relative permeability. An analysis will be carried out by the learner of each type of magnetic material along with examples and their respective susceptibility. A detailed comparison will also be carried out and presented between the various classes of materials. With magnetism playing such a crucial part in and around our lives, it is important that a solid foundation of knowledge about it is achieved. Create your account, enrol and complete the course for free.