“Fluids and Plasmas” is an applied physics course designed to give the students experience in working with, predicting and measuring the behaviour of fluid flows and plasmas. The course begins with an outline of the fluid equations of motion, which lead to solutions for waves in fluids, convection and buoyancy-driven flows. Fluid motion is compared and contrasted with the behaviour of plasma, including single particle motion and the behaviour of particles in electric and magnetic fields. There is a direct correspondence between plasma dynamics and ocean/atmosphere flows on the rotating earth, and the remainder of the course focuses on circulation, waves and geophysical/industrial applications of fluids and plasma. The course is supported throughout by examples from simple fluid systems, plasmas used for research and industry and ocean/atmosphere circulation. There is a laboratory component to this course, in which students will directly measure the behaviour of flow, waves, instabilities and turbulence in fluid systems and plasma.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- Understand the dynamics governing rotating, stratified flows and plasma in electromagnetic fields.
- Apply the governing equations to predict the behaviour of simple fluid/plasma systems.
- Recognise common applications of fluid/plasma dynamics concepts in geophysical, environmental and industrial contexts.
- Use laboratory techniques to reveal aspects of fluid/plasma behaviour.
- Develop their problem-solving and physical modelling ability for a range of flows.
- Develop their ability in technical scientific writing.
Indicative Assessment
- Assignments (20) [LO 1,2,3,5]
- Laboratory work (40) [LO 4,6]
- Exam (40) [LO 1,2,3,5]
The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.
Workload
The expected workload will consist of approximately 130 hours throughout the semester including:
- Face-to face component which may consist of 1 x 2 hour workshop plus 1 x 1 hour tutorial per week and 16 hours of labs throughout the semester.
- Approximately 78 hours of self directed study which will include preparation for lectures and other assessment tasks.
Inherent Requirements
To be determined
Requisite and Incompatibility
Prescribed Texts
N/A
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
Commonwealth Support (CSP) Students
If you have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). More information about your student contribution amount for each course at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 2
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are a domestic graduate coursework student with a Domestic Tuition Fee (DTF) place or international student you will be required to pay course tuition fees (see below). Course tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Course fees
- Domestic fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2023 | $4320 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2023 | $6180 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.