Plasma physics
Graduate · Physics
Syllabus focus
Standard syllabus · STEM / applied
Pricing
Graduate-level rates are set on consultation. See the pricing page for K–12 and undergraduate rates.
Topics typically covered
Standard syllabus
Kinetic theory
- Vlasov equation and collision operators
- Landau damping and plasma echoes
- BGK modes and Bernstein waves
- Fokker–Planck equation for collisions
- Transport coefficients from kinetic theory
MHD and stability
- MHD equilibrium: Grad–Shafranov equation
- Magnetohydrodynamic instabilities
- Resistive tearing and reconnection
- Kink and sausage modes in pinches
- Diamagnetic drift and curvature effects
Fusion and space plasmas
- Tokamak confinement scaling laws
- Laser–plasma interactions and ICF
- Solar wind and magnetospheric coupling
- Dusty and non-neutral plasmas
- Plasma processing for semiconductors
STEM / applied
Fusion engineering
- Turbulence and anomalous transport
- RF heating: ICRH and LHCD
- Plasma-facing materials and erosion
- Burn control and tritium inventory
- Economic and policy drivers for fusion
Diagnostics and simulation
- Gyrokinetic and PIC simulation codes
- Bolometry and neutron flux diagnostics
- Reflectometry for density profiles
- Magnetic reconstruction equilibria
- High-performance computing for fusion
Laboratory and space missions
- Magnetized target fusion concepts
- Helicon sources and plasma thrusters
- MMS and Parker Solar Probe data context
- Space weather forecasting pipelines
- Safety protocols for high-power microwave labs
Notes
Topics reflect common graduate physics core and elective syllabi at US universities. Sequencing and emphasis vary between one- and two-semester treatments.