Astrophysical Plasmas

4 credits

This course introduces the fundamentals of plasma physics at a graduate level, with special focus on astrophysical applications. Core topics include fluid, kinetic, and MHD plasma models. Astrophysical focus topics include magnetic reconnection, dynamos, cosmic ray acceleration and accretion, and MRI. Renumbered from PHYA 234. Students may not receive credit for both ASTR 225 and PHYA 234.