Syllabus
1. Description
This course introduces basic plasma physics concepts which are relevant to studying energy generation
by controlled thermonuclear fusion, and to studying phenomena in terresterial, solar, interplanetary, interstellar, and astrophysical plasmas.
The course covers basic plasma properties and collective behavior. Coulomb
collisions and transport processes, motion of charged particles
in magnetic fields, magnetohydrodynamics, two-fluid hydrodynamic
plasma models, wave propagation in plasmas, elementary kinetic theory and the Vlasov plasma model, the
relationship between kinetic and fluid models, and Landau damping.
2. Course Prerequisites
In order to register for 22.611J, 8.613J and 6.651J,
you should have previously completed 6.014 or 8.07
and 18.04 or 18.075, with a grade of C or higher.
Exceptions to this policy will require the permission
of Dr. Ram, and will be granted on a case-by-case
basis.
3. Textbooks
None required.
Recommended
books are available at
the Science
Library (14N-132)
and at the Plasma
Science and
Fusion Center
Library (NW16-153).
4. Problem Sets
The weekly problem sets are an essential part of the course.
Working through these problems is crucial to understanding
the material.
Problem sets will generally be assigned at the Tuesday lecture
and will be due at start of class on the following Tuesday.
5. Exams
There will be one in-class (90 minute) mid-term
quiz and a (3 hour) final exam. If you did well
on the problem sets and exams, you should do well
on the final exam.
6. Grading
The final grade for the course will be based on the following:
Homework : 30%
Midterm Quiz: 30%
Final Exam : 40%
7. Web site
As the semester progresses, we will post important information
and other helpful material on this website. You should check
the web site for announcements (rescheduling etc.) prior
to each class.
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