Instructor Class Description

Time Schedule:

• Spring Quarter 2012
• Summer Quarter 2012
• Autumn Quarter 2012

Robert Holzworth
ESS 515
Seattle Campus

Geophysics: Space

Various phenomena occurring in outer regions of Earth' s atmosphere, ionosphere, magnetosphere, and Van Allen radiation belts. Laboratory applications include plasma thrusters and fusion. Concepts include charged particles in magnetic fields, drift motion, plasma, magnetohydrodynamic waves. Includes advanced, research-oriented problems. Prerequisite: PHYS 321 or equivalent.

Class description

Beginning plasma physics. Single particle motion in electric and magnetic fields. Collective plasma phenomena/'fluid theory' Introduction to plasma waves

Student learning goals

General method of instruction

Text (Parks (2004) Physics of Space Plasmas, Westview/Perseus Books Group) Chapters 1 - 5 plus parts of 6 - 9.

Recommended preparation

Physics 321 and 322 (upper division E&M)

Class assignments and grading

homework weekly; lots of problem sets.

Homework (7 problem sets) - 50% of grade Midterm - 20% Final - 30% Extra credit: 10 page paper - up to 15%

Office of the Registrar
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Modified:May 9, 2012