An innovative approach to teaching an undergraduate electromagnetics, antennas and propagation course

In this paper an innovative approach is taken to teach electromagnetics (EM), antenna theory and signal propagation to undergraduate students. The method relies on hardware design and implementation projects that reinforce the underlying theory, enable the student to gain practical insight into the various EM topics, and ultimately provide the student with a working knowledge to analyze, problem solve and engineer EM systems. Topics include the basic EM theory, electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) and interference (EMI), transmission lines, antennas, phased arrays, and wireless propagation. Projects range the prosaic EM experiments to more open ended design with multiple possible solutions.