FYS-2009 Introduction to plasma physics - 10 stp

Institutt for fysikk og teknologi

The course is available as a singular course.

FYS-210 Introduction to plasma physics 10 stp

The course provides the basic foundation for more specialized studies in plasma physics and cosmical geophysics. Subjects treated include single particle motions in prescribed electromagnetic fields; kinetic theory and phase space; derivation of fluid equations and discussion of fluid closure; theory of plasma waves, dispersion relations, resonances and cut off phenomena; collisions, resistivity and diffusion in magnetized plasmas; one-fluid description, magnetohydrodynamics, equilibrium and stability.

Applicants from Nordic countries: 1 June for the autumn semester and 1 December for the spring semester.
Applicants from outside the Nordic countries: 1 October for the spring semester and 15 April for the autumn semester

Admission requirements are generell studiekompetanse + REALFA. Local admission, application code 9336 - singular courses in natural sciences. The course is also available to exchange students and Fulbright-students.

Knowledge - The student will be able to...

- define the plasma state, give examples of different kinds of plasmas and explain the parameters characterizing them
- analyze the motion of charged particles in electric and magnetic fields
- formulate kinetic and fluid descriptions of plasma and understand the applicability of the appropriate approximations (kinetic theory, magnetohydrodynamics, twofluid model)
- discuss collisions, resistivity and diffusion in both fully and weakly ionized plasmas based on charged particle motions
- explain the properties of the most important wave modes in plasmas, discuss dispersion relations, polarization and motion of the charged particles
- discuss interaction between particles and waves, Landau damping
- give a basic explanation of plasma equilibrium, confinement and stability

Skills - The student will be able to...

- describe and characterize plasma as a fourth state of matter in nature and laboratory
- solve basic problems in plasma dynamics using particle, kinetic and fluid descriptions

General expertise - The student will be able to...

- recognize applications of plasmas in modern society
- communicate theories, problem descriptions and solutions regarding dynamics of fluids and plasmas

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.

Lectures: 50 hours
Exercises: 24 hours

Portfolio assessment of a take-hom examination counting about 25% and a final 4 hours written examination counting 75%.

Assessment scale: Letter grades A-F.

Re-sit examination (section 22):
4 hours written examination counting 100%.

Postponed examination (sections 17 and 21):
Students with valid grounds for absence will be offered a postponed examination. Postponed take-home examination is arranged during the semester if possible, otherwise early in the following semester. Postponed written examination is held early in the following semester.

See indicated sections in Regulations for examinations at the UiT The arctic university of Norway for more information.

Coursework requirements
Access to final examination requires submission of take-home examination.

One written 04.12.2015

The date for the exam can be changed. The final date will be announced at your faculty early in May and early in November.

Information will be published later.