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MN-GM-GEOSPACE+

Specialisation Module: Space Physics+
Identification number
MN-GM-
GEOSPACE+
Workload

270 h
Credits

9
Term

1st - 3rd Semester
Offered Every

year
Start

SuSe
Duration

1 semester
1 Course types
a) Lecture
b) Exercise
c) Project
Contact time
45 h
30 h
15 h
Private study
45 h
60 h
75 h
2 Module objectives and skills to be acquired

Understanding the space environment around the earth, other planetary bodies and the solar wind. Understanding basic properties of space plasmas including their mathematical/physical descriptions. The acquired skills are the applications of mathematical/physical tools from statistical mechanics and fluid dynamics as applied to plasmas. Derivations of the plasma descriptions from first principles.
Compared to GEOSPACE, this module offers in the project additional working with peer-reviewed literature of Space Physics and thus offers a deeper understanding of selected specific problems in Space Physics.
Non-specific skills: Critical assessment of scientific knowledge.
3 Module content
  • Introduction into space plasmas
  • Single particle dynamics
  • Kinetic theory (Boltzmann and Vlasow equation)
  • Derivation of magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) equations
  • Properties of MHD fluids
  • Waves in plasmas
  • Shocks and discontinuities
  • Instabilities
  • Magnetospheres, solar wind, aurorae
Literature:
Baumjohann & Treumann, Basic Space Plasma Physics, Imperial College Press
Chen, Introduction to Plasma Physics and Controlled Fusion, Plenum Press.
Kivelson & Russell, Introduction to Space Physics, Cambridge Univ. Press.
Treumann & Baumjohann, Advanced Space Plasma Physics, Imperial College Press.
4 Teaching methods

Lectures
Exercises: The exercises will pick up topics from the lectures and give the students the opportunity to deepen their understanding of the lecture content by solving typical problems in Spase Physics
Project: Specific in-depth problems from Space Physis are studied (primairly through scientific publications from the peer-reviewed literature).
5 Prerequisites (for the module)

Formal: None.
The content of the course requires the undergraduate knowledge of mathematics, physics, especially classical mechanics, electro-magnetism, basics of statistical mechanics
6 Type of examination

At the beginning of the lecture-free period, there is a 120 to 180-minute written examination, the content of which is the material from the lecture and exercises. Successful completion of the exercises is required for admission to the examination; for this, the acquisition of 50% of the points to be achieved is sufficient. A repeat examination is offered before or at the beginning of the following semester.
The examination grade is the module grade. In the case of two passed examinations (see § 20 paragraph 10 examination regulations), the better grade is the module grade.
7 Credits awarded

The module is passed, and the credit points will be awarded, if
  1. the written examination is passed, and
  2. the project is passed, this requires active participation in the project on a regular basis.
8 Compatibility with other curricula

Suitable as an elective course for physics students.
9 Proportion of final grade

Weight of the module grade in the overall grade: 9/150 (6 %)
10 Module coordinator

Joachim Saur
11 Further information

Version: 2023-03-31