Space Physics
Professor Hannu Koskinen
Department of Physics
PO Box 64
FI-00014 University of Helsinki
Tel. +358 9 191 50675
+358 9 1929 4639
Fax +358 9 191 50610
hannu e koskinen (at) helsinki fi
arto sandroos (at) helsinki fi
About lectures
The lectures of the present academic year are found at http://www.physics.helsinki.fi/~tfo_www/lectures/courses.html
The extent of courses are given in ECTS credits. A 5 ECTS credit course is typically a half-semester course including 14 2-hour lectures and 6 home exercise sessions. A 10 ECTS credit course takes whole semester of 28 2-hour lectures and 12-13 home exercise sessions. In specific courses part of home excercises or lectures may be replaced by student seminars.
Introduction to plasma physics (5 cr.)
The course is an introduction to basic concepts and methods of plasma physics. It provide basics for further studies on laboratory, fusion, space and astrophysical plasma phenomena. After a brief introduction and a short review of electrodynamics needed in plasma physics, the following topics are discussed: motion of charged particles in electromagnetic field, collisions and plasma conductivity, kinetic plasma description, macroscopic plasma quantities and equations, magnetohydrodynamics, Alfven waves, cold plasma waves, warm plasma, plasma physics and fusion research.
More information at Course homepage.
Introduction to space applications of plasma physics (5 cr.)
The course contains an introduction to most important topics in space plasma physics: the Sun, solar wind, formation of the magnetosphere, ionosphere, magnetospheric dynamics, magnetosphere-ionosphere coupling, auroras, magnetospheres of other planets, and astrophysical plasmas.
More information at course homepage.
Advanced space physics (10 cr.)
This course is intended to senior undergraduate and graduate students who already master the material in "Introduction to Plasma Physics and its Space Applications". Other requirements: Good command in electrodynamics and mathematical methods (equivalent to FYMM 1 and 2). Knowledge from courses in thermal physics / statistical physics is useful.
More information at Course homepage.
Solar physics (10 cr.)
The course gives an introduction to the physics of the Sun. It is intended to senior undergraduate and graduate students. The students are expected to know elements of electrodynamics, quantum mechanics, thermal physics, plasma physics and mathematical methods in physics.
More information at course homepage.
Last updated 19.3.2008 15:30:33