Topics

• Single-Particle Motions in Magnetic Fields
• Plasmas as Fluids
• Waves in Plasmas
• Diffusion and Resistivity
• Equilibrium and Stability
• Kinetic Theory
• Nonlinear Effects

SPS 4025:
Homework	20%
Midterm #1	25%
Midterm #2	25%
Final	30%
SPS5088
Homework	15%
Midterm #1	20%
Midterm #2	20%
Project/Paper	15%
Final	30%

| The paper will take the form of a literature review, or a summary of your own work, if you did an original project. You may do either, but please inform me of your choice by week 4 of the course. If you do a literature review, you will need to cite the original literature, not simply web sources or popularized science sources. Technical detail should be included and convey that you have a significant understanding of the process/topic you are reviewing.

If you are doing an original calculation or simulation, show details of the calculation and/or the source code (source code should be in an appendix).

You need to turn in a Topic Statement January 30, which will include a Title, a one to two paragraph discussion of the topic, and also include at least one major reference.

Turn in an Abstract and Outline Feb 27, 2012. The abstract will be a 1-2 paragraph summary of your work. The outline should list all major sections and subsections, with a 1-sentence description of the contents of each. Your list of references should number at least 10 at this time.

You need to hand in a draft of your paper on April 11, 2012, and the final version of your paper on April 25, 2012. Your paper should be 15-20 pages, but if you do original research your paper may be somewhat shorter. Your paper should be submited electronically and on hardcopy. The paper will be submitted to 'turnitin.com'. You may also independently run a check through this system to make sure you are not accidentily plagairizing your source material. You may also find the site 'grammarly.com' to be useful.

Some potential topics (you are not limited by this list!):

• The international thermonuclear reactor. 
• Wave-wave interactions and their effect on inertial fusion. 
• Conditions in the coronal plasma as determined by x-ray spectroscopy. 
• An analysis of the Kruskal-Schwarzschild instability using an energy method. 
• Propagation of whistlers in the Earth's upper atmosphere. 
• Determination of the intergalactic magnetic field. 
• Magnetic field reconnection.

Homework penalty schedule:

1 day late	-10%
2 days late	-20%
3 days late	-40%
4 days late	-60%
5+ days late	-80%