Prerequisites for Plasma Physics and Fusion

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on pursuing a master's or Ph.D. in plasma physics with a focus on fusion tokamak reactors. The individual has an undergraduate degree in computer science and is beginning the necessary physics coursework for graduate school applications. Key areas of study recommended include electromagnetics, non-linear dynamics, computational physics, atom-light interactions, plasma-material interactions, and some nuclear physics. A strong mathematics foundation, including vector calculus and differential equations, is emphasized as essential. Resources suggested for study include textbooks by Strogatz for non-linear dynamics and Griffiths and Jackson for electromagnetics. The individual clarifies that they are refreshing their knowledge in engineering physics and will take additional courses in electromagnetics before applying to physics programs.
Caolan
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Hello I am looking to pursue a master or Ph.D in plasma physics focusing on fusion tokamak reactors.

I have an undergrad in Comp Sci and am starting the necessary physics work to apply to grad school. Besides electromagnetics, are there other areas I should focus on?

What are the best websites and/or resources to get started in it.
 
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What sort of work in Plasma physics?

In general, plasma physics would be a good start. :wink: Also: non-linear dynamics and computational physics (shouldn't be too far from what you know). You should do electrodynamics. Atom-light interactions, material/solid-state/condensed matter physics (plasma-material interactions are a big area of study at the moment), and a little nuclear physics can't hurt either. You should make sure you have the maths background - vector calculus, ODE's and PDE's are a must.

For non-linear dynamics, Strogatz is a very good start. For E&M, Griffiths is a good start, and once you've mastered that, Jackson.
 
Caolan said:
Hello I am looking to pursue a master or Ph.D in plasma physics focusing on fusion tokamak reactors.

I have an undergrad in Comp Sci and am starting the necessary physics work to apply to grad school. Besides electromagnetics, are there other areas I should focus on?

What are the best websites and/or resources to get started in it.

Can you explain what "... am starting the necessary physics work... " means here? Are you enrolling in another undergraduate program? Are you taking part-time classes? Or are you just watching YouTube videos and reading Wikipedia?

Zz.
 
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ZapperZ said:
Can you explain what "... am starting the necessary physics work... " means here? Are you enrolling in another undergraduate program? Are you taking part-time classes? Or are you just watching YouTube videos and reading Wikipedia?

Zz.
Hey sorry for the late reply...

I took engineering physics 20 years ago for the Comp. Sci program I was in so I am taking them again as a refresher before I apply for the physics school. I am also going to take EM non-matricular.
 

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