spring 2020 FYS-3026 Fusion plasma physics - 10 ECTS

Application deadline

Applicants from Nordic countries: 1 June for the autumn semester and 1 December for the spring semester.

Exchange students and Fulbright students: 1 October for the spring semester and 15 April for the autumn semester.


Type of course

The course is available as a singular course.The course is also available to exchange students and Fulbright students.

Admission requirements

Admission requirements are a Bachelor's degree in physics or similar education, including specialization in physics worth the equivalent of not less than 80 ECTS credits.  

Local admission, application code 9371 - singular courses at Master's level.  


Course overlap

If you pass the examination in this course, you will get an reduction in credits (as stated below), if you previously have passed the following courses:

FYS-8026 Fusion plasma physics 8 stp

Course content

The course content is dynamic and will reflect the interests of the participating students and the ongoing research on fusion plasma physics at the Faculty of Science and Technology. Following a general introduction to the quest for controlled thermonuclear fusion and magnetic confinement, students will learn about waves, instabilities, and collisional as well as fluctuation-induced transport in magnetized plasmas using both kinetic and fluid descriptions. Cross-field transport of particles and heat due to collective motions is an issue of major concern for future fusion reactors and is the main research topic at the department. The course includes computer projects where the students will develop simulation codes and analyse experimental data.

Recommended prerequisites

FYS-2009 Introduction to plasma physics, MAT-2200 Differential Equations, MAT-2201 Numerical Methods

Objectives of the course

Knowledge - The student can:

  • describe the principles of fusion processes, energy confinement, power balance, and the basic design of a fusion power reactor
  • explain the principles of magnetic confinement of plasmas, in particular the Tokamak and Stellarator concepts
  • describe equilibrium and stability of magnetically confined plasmas
  • identify causes of particle and heat transport in magnetically confined plasmas
  • describe the power and particle exhaust and the role of plasma-wall interactions

Skills - The student can:

  • obtain and interpret relevant new theories about magnetic confinement, heating, stability and transport
  • analyze and interpret data from experimental measurements and numerical simulations
  • solve basic problems in fluid and plasma dynamics using analytical and numerical methods

General expertise - The student can:

  • incorporate current events and new scientific information into a critical thinking
  • communicate theories, problem descriptions and solutions

Language of instruction and examination

The language of instruction is English and all of the syllabus material is in English. Examination questions will be given in English, but may be answered either in English or a Scandinavian language.

Teaching methods

Lectures: 40 hours Exercises: 24 hours

Assessment

Portfolio assessment of up to 3 assignments counting about 25 % and a final oral examination counting about 75 %.

All modules in the portfolio are assessed as a whole and one combined grade is given. Assessment scale: Letter grades A-E, fail - F

Re-sit examination (section 22): There is no access to a re-sit examination in this course.

Postponed examination (sections 17 and 21): Students with valid grounds for absence will be offered a postponed examination. Both postponed assignments and postponed oral examination are arranged during the semester if possible, otherwise early in the following semester. See indicated sections in Regulations for examinations at the UiT The Arctic University of Norway for more information.


  • About the course
  • Campus: Tromsø |
  • ECTS: 10
  • Course code: FYS-3026