Plasma Physics: Introduction from edX

Plasma, the fourth state of matter, is by far the most abundant form of known matter in the universe. Its behavior is very different from the other states of matter we are usually familiar with. To understand it, a rigorous formalism is required. This is essential not only to explain important astrophysical phenomena, but also to optimize many industrial and medical applications and for achieving fusion energy on Earth.

This physics course, taught by world-renowned experts of the field, gives you the opportunity to acquire a basic knowledge of plasma physics. A rigorous introduction to the plasma state will be followed by a description of the models, from single particle, to kinetic and fluid, which can be applied to study its dynamics. You will learn about the waves that can exist in a plasma and how to mathematically describe them, how a plasma can be controlled by magnetic fields, and how its complex and fascinating behavior is simulated using today’s most powerful supercomputers.

This course is the first of two courses introducing plasma physics and its applications. After completing this course, you will have the prerequisites to enjoy Plasma Physics: Applications, which deals with plasma applications in astrophysics, industry, medicine, nuclear fusion and laser-plasma interaction.

What's inside

Learning objectives

Basic knowledge of plasma physics and the different models used to describe plasmas
An understanding of how to numerically simulate complex plasma dynamics

Basic knowledge of matlab programming through introduction videos and exercises

Basic knowledge of plasma physics and the different models used to describe plasmas
An understanding of how to numerically simulate complex plasma dynamics
Basic knowledge of matlab programming through introduction videos and exercises

Syllabus

Week 1: Description of the plasma state

Week 2: Kinetic description of plasmas

Week 3: Fluid description of plasmas

Week 4: Fluid description of plasmas II

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Examines the fourth state of matter, which is essential for understanding astrophysical phenomena, industrial and medical applications, and nuclear fusion energy

Provides an opportunity to acquire basic knowledge of plasma physics in a rigorous and comprehensive manner

Teaches numerical simulation techniques for complex plasma dynamics, a valuable tool in research and industry

Offers insights into plasma control through magnetic fields, expanding learners' capabilities in plasma manipulation

Provides basic MATLAB programming knowledge, enhancing learners' ability to work with plasma-related data

Requires familiarity with physics and mathematics concepts, making it suitable for those with a background in these disciplines

Career center

Learners who complete Plasma Physics: Introduction will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Plasma Physicist

A Plasma Physicist researches the phenomena of the fourth state of matter, plasma, which is found in stars, the Sun, fluorescent lights, and other areas. Those who wish to become Plasma Physicists often pursue a Ph.D. to build on their knowledge. This course helps build a foundation for those who wish to become Plasma Physicists by teaching students about the basic knowledge of plasma physics and the different models used to describe plasmas. It also teaches students about how to numerically simulate complex plasma dynamics.

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Astrophysicist

Astrophysicists study the physical properties of celestial bodies and the laws that govern them. This course may be useful for Astrophysicists because it teaches students about the basic knowledge of plasma physics and the different models used to describe plasmas. This knowledge may be helpful for Astrophysicists who work with plasma physics in their research.

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Nuclear Physicist

Nuclear Physicists study the structure, properties, and interactions of atomic nuclei. They use their knowledge to develop new technologies, such as nuclear power plants and medical imaging devices. This course may be useful for Nuclear Physicists because it teaches students about the fluid description of plasmas and how to simulate complex plasma dynamics. This knowledge may be helpful for Nuclear Physicists who work with plasma physics in their research.

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Materials Scientist

Materials Scientists research and develop new materials with improved properties and performance. This course may be useful for Materials Scientists who work with plasma-based materials processing techniques. The course teaches students about the basic knowledge of plasma physics and the different models used to describe plasmas. This knowledge can help Materials Scientists to better understand the plasma-based materials processing techniques they are using and to develop more effective materials.

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Chemical Engineer

Chemical Engineers design, build, and maintain chemical plants and processes. This course may be useful for Chemical Engineers who work on developing plasma-based chemical processes. The course teaches students about the basic knowledge of plasma physics and the different models used to describe plasmas. This knowledge can help Chemical Engineers to better understand the plasma-based chemical processes they are working on and to design more effective processes.

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Environmental Engineer

Environmental Engineers design, build, and maintain systems to protect the environment. This course may be useful for Environmental Engineers who work on developing plasma-based pollution control systems. The course teaches students about the basic knowledge of plasma physics and the different models used to describe plasmas. This knowledge can help Environmental Engineers to better understand the plasma-based pollution control systems they are working on and to design more effective systems.

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Biomedical Engineer

Biomedical Engineers design, build, and maintain medical devices and systems. This course may be useful for Biomedical Engineers who work on developing plasma-based medical devices and systems. The course teaches students about the basic knowledge of plasma physics and the different models used to describe plasmas. This knowledge can help Biomedical Engineers to better understand the plasma-based medical devices and systems they are working on and to design more effective devices and systems.

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Data Scientist

Data Scientists collect, analyze, and interpret data to solve problems and make informed decisions. This course may be useful for Data Scientists who work with plasma physics data. The course teaches students about the basic knowledge of plasma physics and the different models used to describe plasmas. This knowledge can help Data Scientists to better understand the data they are working with and to develop more accurate and reliable models.

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Aerospace Engineer

Aerospace Engineers design, build, and maintain aircraft, spacecraft, and other aerospace vehicles. This course may be useful for Aerospace Engineers who work on developing plasma-based propulsion systems. The course teaches students about the basic knowledge of plasma physics and the different models used to describe plasmas. This knowledge can help Aerospace Engineers to better understand the plasma-based propulsion systems they are working on and to design more effective systems.

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Electrical Engineer

Electrical Engineers design, build, and maintain electrical systems. This course may be useful for Electrical Engineers who work on developing plasma-based systems. The course teaches students about the basic knowledge of plasma physics and the different models used to describe plasmas. This knowledge can help Electrical Engineers to better understand the plasma-based systems they are working on and to design more effective systems.

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Robotics Engineer

Robotics Engineers design, build, and maintain robots. This course may be useful for Robotics Engineers who work on developing plasma-based robots. The course teaches students about the basic knowledge of plasma physics and the different models used to describe plasmas. This knowledge can help Robotics Engineers to better understand the plasma-based robots they are working on and to design more effective robots.

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Systems Engineer

Systems Engineers design, build, and maintain complex systems of hardware and software. This course may be useful for Systems Engineers who work on developing plasma-based systems. The course teaches students about the basic knowledge of plasma physics and the different models used to describe plasmas. This knowledge can help Systems Engineers to better understand the plasma-based systems they are working on and to design more effective systems.

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Nuclear Engineer

Nuclear Engineers design, build, and maintain nuclear power plants and other nuclear facilities. This course may be useful for Nuclear Engineers who work on developing plasma-based nuclear fusion reactors. The course teaches students about the basic knowledge of plasma physics and the different models used to describe plasmas. This knowledge can help Nuclear Engineers to better understand the plasma-based nuclear fusion reactors they are working on and to design more effective reactors.

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Software Engineer

Software Engineers design, build, and maintain computer systems and applications. This course may be useful for Software Engineers who work on developing software for plasma physics applications. The course teaches students about the basic knowledge of plasma physics and the different models used to describe plasmas. This knowledge can help Software Engineers to better understand the requirements of plasma physics applications and to develop more effective software.

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Mechanical Engineer

Mechanical Engineers design, build, and maintain mechanical systems. This course may be useful for Mechanical Engineers who work on developing plasma-based systems. The course teaches students about the basic knowledge of plasma physics and the different models used to describe plasmas. This knowledge can help Mechanical Engineers to better understand the plasma-based systems they are working on and to design more effective systems.

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