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Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2012 - 2013
Please note that this information is subject to change.

Module Title	Fundamentals of Industrial Plasmas
Module Code	PS508
School	School of Physical Sciences
Online Module Resources
Module Teacher	Paul Swift
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	10
Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

Description

Present the fundamental principles of partially ionised, chemically active plasma discharges and their use in surface processing and other industrial applications. Introduce plasma behaviour by drawing on examples from nature and by pointing out specific plasma properties which are useful in technological applications. Provide an introduction to plasma measurement techniques and to the basic interactions between plasmas and surfaces.

Learning Outcomes

1. Describe the distinguishing features of a plasma.
2. Identify the critical plasma parameters as pertain to industrial plasmas.
3. Evaluate the importance of plasmas in industry.
4. Identify the requirements for plasma generation and characterisation.
5. Apply physical principles to written numerical problems.
6. Communicate their ideas with their colleagues.

Workload	Full-time hours per semester
*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Independent learning	150	No Description
Assignment	20	One written assignment.
Total Workload: 170

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Indicative Syllabus.
Definition of a plasma: Relevant concepts from gas (kinetic) theory. Charged particle interactions. Collective phenomena and Debye shielding. Ambipolar diffusion and plasma sheaths. Plasma chemistry: Collisions and cross sections. Plasma composition.Plasma generation: Non-equilibrium and energy transport. Plasma formation and decay.Plasma properties: Particle and energy balance. Scaling laws.Industrial applications: Discussion of certain applications, and the properties of plasma that are most relevant to those applications..

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment	45%	Examination Weight	55%

Course Work Breakdown
Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Computerised test/exam	Five bi-weekly quizzes	15%	Every Second Week
Performance evaluation	On-line discussions	10%	Every Week
Essay	One of one written assignment	20%	Week 11

Reassessment Requirement
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; 1 = A resit is available for all components of the module 2 = No resit is available for 100% continuous assessment module 3 = No resit is available for the continuous assessment component
This module is category 3

Indicative Reading List