Fundamentals of Plasma Physics

This module introduces the fundamental concepts of plasma physics, focusing on the unique properties that distinguish plasma from other states of matter. Students will learn about the basic characteristics of plasmas, their occurrence in nature and laboratory settings, and the physical principles governing their behavior.

This module explores the kinetic theory approach to describing plasmas. Students will learn about velocity distribution functions, the Boltzmann equation, and how these tools are used to model the behavior of plasmas at a microscopic level. The module will cover the foundations of statistical mechanics as applied to plasma physics.

This module introduces the fluid model of plasmas, which treats the plasma as a continuous medium. Students will learn about the derivation of fluid equations from kinetic theory, the concept of plasma as a conducting fluid, and the magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) approximation. The module will cover the basic equations used in fluid plasma physics.

This module continues the exploration of fluid models in plasma physics. Students will delve deeper into advanced topics in magnetohydrodynamics, including plasma equilibrium, stability analysis, and the study of plasma waves and instabilities in the fluid framework. The module will also introduce numerical methods for solving fluid plasma equations.