PHY-30032 - Module Specification
School of Chemical and Physical Sciences
Faculty of Natural Sciences

Programme/Approved Electives for 2023/24

Available as a Free Standing Elective

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

Successful completion of Level 5 Physics or Astrophysics
Prerequisite: PHY-30012 (Electromagnetism)

Barred Combinations

N/A

Description for 2023/24

Plasma is sometimes described as "the fourth state of matter" and it has been said that most of the matter in the Universe is in the form of plasma. Plasma is present on, around and beyond the Earth. Plasma is produced artificially in gas discharges and in thermonuclear reactors. Natural plasma includes the interior of stars like the Sun, ionised gas clouds in space, and the Universe, in its first moments, was a very high-density plasma. The Earth's upper atmosphere is a plasma; this allowed Marconi to transmit radio signals across the Atlantic in 1901, which is a hazard for spacecraft, and is sometimes rendered visible as auroral displays. This module will describe the properties and study of plasma, in both Physics and Astrophysics contexts. Note that there is little or no overlap between this module, and "Physics of Fluids", "Atmospheric Physics" and "Particles, Accelerators and Reactor Physics".

To provide an introduction to the properties and study of plasmas in Physics and Astrophysics contexts. To illustrate the application of fundamental physics (especially electromagnetic theory) to Physical and Astrophysical plasmas. To develop students' problem solving skills. To develop students' literature researching and writing skills.

Intended Learning Outcomes

Describe the properties of a plasma, in both Physics and Astrophysics contexts. will be achieved by assessments: 1,2,3
Use electromagnetic theory to describe quantitatively the motion of charged particles. will be achieved by assessments: 1,3
Use electromagnetic theory to describe quantitatively the propagation of an electromagnetic wave through a magnetised and unmagnetised plasma. will be achieved by assessments: 1,3
Describe the nature and origin of electromagnetic and other waves that propagate in a plasma. will be achieved by assessments: 1,2,3
Research and report, at a level appropriate for a third-year undergraduate Physics/Astrophysics degree, an aspect of plasma physics in a Physics or Astrophysics context. will be achieved by assessments: 2
Describe how the properties of a plasma, both natural and artificial, are determined, using techniques such as spectroscopy. will be achieved by assessments: 1,2,3
Describe how plasmas arise, in both natural and artificial contexts. will be achieved by assessments: 1,2,3
Apply prior knowledge of a subject to solve a complex problem. Design a solution to a problem. Implement a planned solution that addresses a problem. Evaluate an already implemented solution and reflect upon what has been achieved. will be achieved by assessments: 1, 3

Study hours

Lectures: 24
Tutorials: 6
Assessment (unseen examination): 2
Assessment (problem sheets): 6
Assessment (essay): 10
Preparation for assessment (total): 30
Directed and private study: 72

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment