PHYS 628 Space Plasma Physics
The course is intended to provide students with the necessary background for carrying out research in space physics and space weather. We will introduce the basic concepts in kinetic, fluid and magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) plasmas and the properties of the waves that can propagate in these media. We will cover the basics of discontinuities such as shocks, transport and acceleration of charged particles, MHD instabilities and fundamental principles of magnetic reconnection. Although mathematical treatment will be given for the selected topics, the emphasize will be on an intuitive understanding of the major aspects of space plasma physics. Applications will be made to solar, heliospheric and magnetospheric physics.
Cross Listed Courses
PHYS 628 & ASWR 628