PHYS427 INTRODUCTION TO PLASMA PHYSICS

Course Code:2300427
METU Credit (Theoretical-Laboratory hours/week):3 (3.00 - 0.00)
ECTS Credit:5.0
Department:Physics
Language of Instruction:English
Level of Study:Undergraduate
Course Coordinator:Prof.Dr. KADRİ SİNAN BİLİKMEN
Offered Semester:Fall Semesters.

Course Objectives

  • Learn about the basic principles of plasma physics;
  • Understand the theory of motion of single charged particles in given magnetic and electric fields;
  • Analyze waves in a cold plasma using Fourier representation of waves;
  • Formulate the kinetic theory of a collection of such particles, and the moments equations describing plasmas microscopically by means of particle distribution functions.

Course Content

Definition of plasma, plasma frequency, gyro frequency, Debye length, Orbit theory; plasmas as fluids; waves in plasmas; CMA diagram; diffusion and resistivity in weakly ionized gates.


Course Learning Outcomes


Program Outcomes Matrix

Level of Contribution
#Program Outcomes0123
1Can understand, model and analyze the fundamental physical processes of nature.
2Can suggest mathematical models to problems they face and solve them by various (approximate/analytical/numerical) approaches.
3Can use basic measurement devices; can choose and apply the best measurement technique.
4Can adequately record their observations, e.g., in a lab book.
5Can design and carry out experiments.
6Can access scientific information sources.
7Can critically analyze and contribute to scientific information.
8Can present scientific information clearly.
9Can analyze systems that contain probabilistic parts; can do error analysis.
10Has the basic programming skills; can solve a simple physical problem or can simulate one with an appropriate language they choose.
11Can actively and skillfully conceptualize, apply, analyze, synthesize and evaluate information.
12Can produce new ideas and products by using their background in physics.
13Can systematically design, evaluate, and implement a strategy to respond to an existing problem.
14Is effective in oral and written communication skills by using both Turkish and English languages.
15Can do leadership and take initiative.
16Tries to find physics based solutions to the problems of the world that we live in.
17Obeys the ethical rules in the workplace and the society and ascertains that they are obeyed by others.
18Can use the digital communication and computation tools in the most efficient and effective way.
19Can effectively use the knowledge and skills they gained in physics, in observing, analyzing, modeling and solving other societal problems.

0: No Contribution 1: Little Contribution 2: Partial Contribution 3: Full Contribution