What are the prerequisites for plasma physics?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around identifying the essential prerequisites for studying plasma physics. Participants explore various topics that may be necessary for a solid understanding of the subject, including foundational courses in physics and mathematics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that electromagnetism (E&M) is an obvious prerequisite for plasma physics.
  • Others argue that thermodynamics and heat transfer should also be considered essential prerequisites.
  • One participant mentions that their school's plasma physics course only requires Partial Differential Equations and a calculus-based introductory E&M course.
  • There is a suggestion that statistical physics and quantum mechanics might also be relevant prerequisites.
  • Participants inquire about the level of the course (undergraduate or graduate) and the specific mathematical skills required beyond those already mentioned.
  • It is noted that the course is a graduate-level offering, specifically PY 507 and 528, with differing prerequisites based on the department offering the course.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying opinions on what constitutes essential prerequisites, with no consensus reached on a definitive list of topics. Multiple competing views remain regarding the importance of different subjects.

Contextual Notes

Some participants highlight the potential differences in prerequisite requirements between departments, such as physics and nuclear engineering, which may influence the discussion.

osnarf
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Just curious what topics you would consider essential to understanding plasma physics. E&M seems obvious, but what else would you call prereqs?
 
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osnarf said:
Just curious what topics you would consider essential to understanding plasma physics. E&M seems obvious, but what else would you call prereqs?

Thermodynamics and Heat transfer should seem equally as obvious
 
osnarf said:
Just curious what topics you would consider essential to understanding plasma physics. E&M seems obvious, but what else would you call prereqs?

This courses is offered at my school and its only prerequisites are Partial Differential Equations and the calculus based intro E&M course.
 
Thanks for your help everyone

Rebooter said:
Thermodynamics and Heat transfer should seem equally as obvious

Very true I thought about that later, what about statistical physis or quantum?

Visceral said:
This courses is offered at my school and its only prerequisites are Partial Differential Equations and the calculus based intro E&M course.

Is that an undergrad class or grad?

Does anyone know what math is used, aside from the DE's mentioned and calc?
 
Last edited:
osnarf said:
Thanks for your help everyone



Very true I thought about that later, what about statistical physis or quantum?



Is that an undergrad class or grad?

Does anyone know what math is used, aside from the DE's mentioned and calc?

Grad.

PY 507 and 528

http://www2.acs.ncsu.edu/reg_records/crs_cat/PY.html

I was referring to 528. While it requires a less rigorous E&M prerequisite, it requires a higher level math. Its actually taught by the nuclear engineering department, so they usually have slightly different views of prerequisites than the physics department. I know a few people who have taken it concurrently with upper level E&M and said it wasn't needed as a prerequisite.
 
Last edited by a moderator:

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