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EF2240 Space Physics 6.0 credits

Rymdfysik

The course gives a broad survey of space physics and plasma phenomena from the Earth's vicinity to the Universe as a whole.

  • Educational level

    Second cycle

  • Academic level (A-D)

    D

  • Subject area

    Physics

  • Grade scale

    A, B, C, D, E, FX, F

Course offerings

Autumn 13 for programme students

Autumn 13 for single courses students - To application

  • Periods

    Autumn 13 P1 (6.0 credits)

  • Application code

    10026

  • Start date

    02/09/2013

  • End date

    2013 week: 44

  • Language of instruction

    English

  • Campus

    KTH Campus

  • Number of lectures

  • Number of exercises

  • Tutoring time

    Daytime

  • Form of study

    Normal

  • Number of places *

    3 - 4

    *) The Course date may be cancelled if number of admitted are less than minimum of places. If there are more applicants than number of places selection will be made.

  • Schedule

    Schedule (new window)

  • Course responsible

    Tomas Karlsson

  • Teacher

    Tomas Karlsson

  • Application

    Apply for this course at antagning.se through this application link.
    Please note that you need to log in at antagning.se to finalize your application.

Learning outcomes

The goals of the course are that the student should be able to:

  • define what is meant by a plasma, and how different types of plasmas can be classified.
  • describe the plasma environment in space, with focus on the near-earth environment.
  • explain how certain important plasma populations in the solar system, e.g. the Earth's ionosphere and magnetosphere, get their basic properties, and how these properties may differ between the planets.
  • make order of magnitude estimates of some properties in space plasmas and space phenomena, e.g. the power dissipated in the aurora, or the amount of current floating from Earth's magnetosphere to its ionosphere.
  • model certain space physics phenomena by applying basic physical laws, using simple mathemathics (e.g. model the form of the magnetosphere or estimate the temperature of a sunspot).
  • describe current research within space physics and explain it to an interested layman.

Course main content

The plasma state. Typical properties of space plasmas. The sun and the solar wind, and how they effect the Earth’s space environment. The magnetosphere and the ionosphere, their origin, structure and dynamics. The aurora and geomagnetic storms and substorms. Space weather. Space environment of other celestial bodies. Interstellar and intergalactic plasma and cosmic radiation. Current research topics within space physics.

Eligibility

For single course students: 60 hp and documented proficiency in english B, english 6 or equivalent.

Prerequisites

For single course students: 60 hp and documented proficiency in english B or equivalent.

Literature

C-G. Fälthammar, ”Space Physics” (compendium), 2nd Ed, Third Printing, 2001, Larry Lyons, ”Space Plasma Physics”, from Encyclopaedia of Physical Science and Technology, 3rd edition, 2002.

Examination

  • TEN1 - Examination, 6.0 credits, grade scale: A, B, C, D, E, FX, F

Requirements for final grade

Written examination. During the course, also continual examination will take place; some activities will provide bonus points which will be added to the written examination.

Offered by

EES/Space and Plasma Physics

Contact

Tomas Karlsson (tomas.karlsson@ee.kth.se)

Examiner

Tomas Karlsson

Add-on studies

EF2245 Space Physics II

Version

Course plan valid from: Autumn 10.
Examination information valid from: Autumn 07.