Report of Panel to Discuss Teaching of Plasma Physics in American Universities Available to Purchase

Discussion of the teaching of plasma physics is preceded by a review of its applications. These are sufficiently varied that plasma physics is of interest to, and has been taught by, many different university departments. Three possible “levels” for the teaching of plasma physics were considered and discussed. The first of these is the inclusion of plasma topics in existing physics and engineering courses. Specific examples of such topics for various courses are given. The second level is that of a “first course” in plasma physics. The possible content of such a course is discussed, with a recommendation that it be aimed at first year graduate students and selected seniors. The third level is that of a four-semester (four-quarter) sequence of courses, comprising one on atomic processes, and three on plasma dynamics. Special consideration was given to the role of experimental work in the teaching of plasma physics. It was considered desirable to present a few well planned experiments to undergraduates in their senior year or to first-year graduates. Some of the panel members drew up descriptions of simple experiments suitable for this purpose. Some of these are described in the accompanying articles by O. K. Mawardi; H. J. Schmitt; Russell J. Meyerand, Jr., and Robert H. Bullis; and James D. Hood; and others are referred to in the text.