Class Syllabus ESS 240

Space Plasma Physics

Instructor: Prof. Mark Moldwin

Office: Geology 6697

Phone: 310-825-5556

e-mail: mmoldwin@igpp.ucla.edu

Office Hours: at your convenience

Class Hours: TBD

Location: TBD

Required Texts:

The Physics of Plasmas, Boyd and Sanderson, Cambridge Press, 2003 (ISBN 0521459125)

Other texts used in preparation for this course.

The Solar-Terrestrial Environment, J.K. Hargreaves, Cambridge University Press

The Earth's Ionosphere: Plasma Physics and Electrodynamics, M.C. Kelley, Academic Press

Introduction to Plasma Physics and Controlled Fusion, Chen, Plenum Press

Introduction to Plasma Physics, Nicholson, Wiley Press

Goal of Class:

The goal of this class is to develop a strong understanding of plasma physics, particularly the physics of space plasmas. This course will greatly expand upon ESS 200C’s discussion of MHD, particle kinetics, and waves in plasmas.

Outline of Class (Subject to Change)

We will follow the outline of the Boyd and Sanderson textbook for this class. It is expected that you read the chapter prior to the discussion in class. We will begin with reviews of single particle motion and then dive into various forms of MHD, discuss MHD instabilities, and MHD waves, and then we will cover kinetic theory. If time permits we will introduce radiative processes relevant for the study of space and astrophysical plasmas.

I) Review: Particle Motion

a. Ch 1, 2

II) Ideal MHD, MHD instabilities and waves, Resistive MHD

a. Ch 3, 4, 5

III) Waves

a. Ch 6

IV) Kinetic Theory

a. CH 7, 8a

V) Non-linear plasma physics

a. Ch 10

Reading Assignments

It is expected that each student come prepared to class by reading the text prior to coverage in class.

Grades:

Your final grade will be based on the following components:

50% Homework (5 sets)

20% 1 mid-term

30% Final Exam (in class)

Homework: There will be 5 homework sets covering each of the 5 topics listed above. Two weeks will be given for completion of each set. No late homework will be accepted though I will allow one exception. Time in class will be set aside to answer questions concerning homework. Office hours are available for questions with regard to homework as well.

Mid-term: There will be one mid-term. It will be closed book though one 3x5 index card of formulary is allowed.

Final Exam: The final exam will be comprehensive and consisting of several problems on topics covered in class/homework as well as short-answer qualitative questions. A class review outside of class hours can be scheduled if desired. The exam will be a closed book.