Dust and Dusty Plasma in Space
About the course
The course is available as a singular course. The course is also available to exchange students and Fulbright students.
The course deals with dusty plasma and dust plasma interactions in space, the upper atmosphere of Earth and in the ionosphere of other solar system objects. The concept of dusty plasma and the physics of dust interactions with atoms, ions and photons will be introduced and applied to phenomena associated with cosmic dust and occurring in the solar system. Topics included are the origin and evolution of dust in the planetary system, the interactions in atmospheres, and associated phenomena like meteors, noctilucent clouds and other layers. The observation with different methods will be addressed.
Admission requirements
Objectives of the course
Knowledge - The student can
- understand and describe the physical principles of complex dusty plasma
- describe the cosmic dust as a component of the small solar system objects based on different observational results
- apply concepts of plasma physics to explain dust interactions in space and ionospheres and describe the limitations of plasma models
- understand and apply methods to evaluate dust charging in a space plasma
- analyze the role of dust in formation of layers in the upper atmosphere
- evaluate strength and weakness of different methods to study cosmic dust
Skills - The student can
- apply plasma physics concepts to dusty plasma in ionospheres and other environments studied with space missions
- analyze observational data to quantify atmospheric and space conditions associated with dust interactions
- apply knowledge of charging processes to evaluate the surface charges of dust and other objects in space
General expertise - The student can
- present research work on cosmic dust in atmospheres and ionospheres of Earth and other solar system objects
- appreciate the experimental principles used to observe dust and dusty plasma phenomena in space and in the upper atmosphere
- appreciate the importance of dusty plasma and layered phenomena for climate chance studies
Prerequisites
Anbefalte forkunnskaper
FYS-2009 Introduction to plasma physics
Credit reduction
If you pass the examination in this course, you will get an reduction in credits (as stated below), if you previously have passed the following courses:
- FYS-3016 Complex (dusty) plasma 10 ects
- FYS-8016 Complex (dusty) plasma 10 ects
Teaching methods
Lectures: 40 hours
Exercises: 30 hours
Language of instruction and examination
The language of instruction is English, and all of the syllabus material is in English. Examination questions will be given in English but may be answered either in English or a Scandinavian language.Schedule
The schedules are normally finalized and published well in advance of the start of the semester, often a few weeks beforehand. This gives students the opportunity to organize their studies and prepare for upcoming activities.
It is recommended to check the schedule regularly, as changes may occur.
Information to incoming exchange students
Examination
| Oral exam | Duration: 30 Minutes |
Grade: A–E, fail F |
To take an examination, the student must have passed the following coursework requirements
| Mandatory assignment 1 | Grade: Approved – not approved |
| Mandatory assignment 2 | Grade: Approved – not approved |
| Mandatory assignment 3 | Grade: Approved – not approved |
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