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Plasma Measurement and Data Analysis - PHY00050M

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  • Department: Physics
  • Credit value: 20 credits
  • Credit level: M
  • Academic year of delivery: 2023-24
    • See module specification for other years: 2024-25

Module summary

This module introduces measurement, simulation and data analysis techniques that can be applied to the study of plasmas, ranging from fundamental plasma physics to fusion.

You will learn the basic physics principles behind optical and electrical diagnostic techniques and methods for data analysis, and how they are applied as part of international scientific research. You will learn about their distinguishing features, benefits and limitations in the context of different plasma operating regimes.

You will take part in practical activities, which include, for example, the analysis of experimental data taken from inertial or magnetic confinement fusion experiments using advanced computational techniques.

Related modules

 Co-requisites: Plasma Physics and Fusion (M-Level)

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Semester 1 2023-24

Module aims

This module introduces measurement, simulation and data analysis techniques that can be applied to the study of plasmas, ranging from fundamental plasma physics to fusion. Students will learn the basic physics principles behind optical and electrical diagnostic techniques and methods for data analysis, and how they are applied as part of international scientific research. They will learn about their distinguishing features, benefits and limitations in the context of different plasma operating regimes. They will take part in practical activities, which include for example the analysis of experimental data with advanced computational techniques.

Module learning outcomes

  1. techniques used for the measurement and analysis of laboratory plasmas.

  1. Explain the similarities and differences in plasma measurement and analysis techniques used in inertial and magnetic confinement, and low-temperature plasmas.

  1. Identify, write and use the appropriate computational systems and tools to analyse experimental data

  1. Identify the limitations of experimental and analysis approaches to investigate laboratory plasma and undertake appropriate error and uncertainty estimation.

Module content

Plasma Measurement:

  • Methods for measuring the properties of fusion and technological plasmas, including invasive and non-invasive approaches.

Data Analysis:

  • Development of a continuum (fluid) and discrete (particle) codes

  • Methods for determining plasma parameters through the analysis of experimental data

Indicative assessment

Task % of module mark
Essay/coursework 40
Essay/coursework 60

Special assessment rules

Non-reassessable

Indicative reassessment

Task % of module mark
Essay/coursework 60

Module feedback

'Feedback’ at a university level can be understood as any part of the learning process which is designed to guide your progress through your degree programme. We aim to help you reflect on your own learning and help you feel more clear about your progress through clarifying what is expected of you in both formative and summative assessments.

A comprehensive guide to feedback and to forms of feedback is available in the Guide to Assessment Standards, Marking and Feedback. This can be found at:

https://www.york.ac.uk/students/studying/assessment-and-examination/guide-to-assessment/

The School of Physics, Engineering & Technology aims to provide some form of feedback on all formative and summative assessments that are carried out during the degree programme. In general, feedback on any written work/assignments undertaken will be sufficient so as to indicate the nature of the changes needed in order to improve the work. Students are provided with their examination results within 25 working days of the end of any given examination period. The School will also endeavour to return all coursework feedback within 25 working days of the submission deadline. The School would normally expect to adhere to the times given, however, it is possible that exceptional circumstances may delay feedback. The School will endeavour to keep such delays to a minimum. Please note that any marks released are subject to ratification by the Board of Examiners and Senate. Meetings at the start/end of each semester provide you with an opportunity to discuss and reflect with your supervisor on your overall performance to date.

Our policy on how you receive feedback for formative and summative purposes is contained in our Physics at York Taught Student Handbook a supplement to the MSc Fusion Energy Handbook.

Indicative reading

I H Hutchinson Principles of plasma diagnostics, Cambridge 2001


The information on this page is indicative of the module that is currently on offer. The University constantly explores ways to enhance and improve its degree programmes and therefore reserves the right to make variations to the content and method of delivery of modules, and to discontinue modules, if such action is reasonably considered to be necessary. In some instances it may be appropriate for the University to notify and consult with affected students about module changes in accordance with the University's policy on the Approval of Modifications to Existing Taught Programmes of Study.