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Computational Plasma Physics - PHY00056M

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

Module summary

An introduction to the computational simulation of plasmas is provided through the theoretical foundation behind common numerical methods for the solution of differential equations and subsequent application to problems of relevance to plasma physics. Students will learn about a variety of relevant techniques and some of the related pros/cons, gain experience in applying these to plasma relevant problems and develop wider computational skills.

Related modules

 Co-requisites:  Plasma Physics and Fusion or equivalent

Module will run

Occurrence Teaching period
A Semester 1 2024-25

Module aims

You will learn about the origin of numerical methods for approximating and solving differential equations. You will gain experience in writing software to apply these methods to solving problems of relevance to plasma physics and beyond. You will gain an understanding of some of the limitations of different approaches. There will be an opportunity to develop skills such as the use of Linux, python and version control.

Module learning outcomes

At the end of this module successful students will be able to:

  • Understand the mathematical origin of common numerical approaches to solving differential equations.

  • Understand how to program in a language such as Python and use this to apply numerical methods to solve a range of problems representative of those found in plasma physics.

  • Categorise different numerical approaches to solving differential equations, understand some of the limitations of these methods and be able to assess the positive and negative aspects of these in a given situation.

  • Utilise a version control system such as git.

  • Understand how to write a code for the numerical study of a plasma physics system and apply this to perform numerical experiments.

  • Interpret the results of numerical experiments and assess the quality of the results.

Indicative assessment

Task % of module mark
Essay/coursework 20
Essay/coursework 10
Essay/coursework 10
Essay/coursework 10
Essay/coursework 50

Special assessment rules

Other

Indicative reassessment

Task % of module mark
Essay/coursework 20
Essay/coursework 10
Essay/coursework 10
Essay/coursework 10

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

  • Toshiki Tajima, Computational Plasma Physics: With Applications to Fusion and Astrophysics (Westview Press 2004)
  • C. K. Birdsall and A. B. Langdon, Plasma Physics Via Computer Simulation (IoP 1991)
  • A. Iserles, A First Course in the Numerical Analysis of Differential Equations (CUP 1996)


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.