FYS-3018 Plasma in Interplanetary Space

Work Load 10  credits (ECTS)

Type of course Theoretical and practical subject.

Level of course/Year of study Master level course.

Language of instruction Norwegian, or English by request

Examination semester Autumn

Contents The course deals with the origin and properties of space weather related phenomena with emphasis on solar winds, coronal mass ejections and flares. Topics included are supersonic expansion of plasma flows, energy transport, wave propagation, magnetic field configurations, stability of plasma sheets, reconnection, and coronal heating processes. Observable characteristics of coronal and heliospheric plasmas will also be addressed. Numerical studies of certain problems will be carried out. Aimed at students interested in space plasma physics and astrophysics, the course provides the foundation to start original research in the field.

Recommended previous qualifications FYS-2009 Introduction to plasma physics

Form of teaching Lectures: 40 hours Exercises/seminars: 40 hours

Exam and assessment Portfolio assessment of a home examination (couting approx 20%) and a final oral examination (counting approx 80%). Grading scale: A-F. Re-sit examination: Early in tutor free term, with reserve of postponed examination oral examination which counts 100%. Postponed examination: According to the current regulation of exams § 21. New examination: According to the current regulation exams § 25, last paragraph.

Contact person/lecturer Arvid Aanstad, tlf: +47 77 64 40 06, e-mail: stud-kons@phys.uit.no

Recommended reading/syllabus Available on request

Course overlap FYS-8018 -1      10 sp

Timetables http://timeplan.uit.no/emne.php?year=2006&department=ALLE&module=FYS-3018-1