Case Study: Virginia Commonwealth University helps students visualize electromagnetics with COMSOL simulation applications

Virginia Commonwealth University uses Comsol to help students explore EM concepts in a two-week simulation lab cycle

Virginia Commonwealth University faced a challenge in teaching complex electromagnetics concepts to undergraduate engineering students. The abstract nature of electromagnetic fields made them difficult for students to visualize and understand, leading to a struggle with the rigorous mathematical foundations of the subject. Professor Nate Kinsey sought a way to help students develop a stronger intuition for these invisible forces.

The solution involved integrating simulation applications built with COMSOL Multiphysics® software and deployed via COMSOL Server™ into the curriculum. COMSOL enabled the creation of interactive applications that let students visualize and manipulate 3D electromagnetic fields, turning abstract concepts into interactive experiences. This approach allowed students to explore parameters and solve open-ended problems, leading to improved critical thinking, a deeper conceptual understanding, and a successful curriculum redesign that combines simulation labs with hands-on experiments.

Virginia Commonwealth University