Module: Fundamentals of Industrial Plasmas

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Fundamentals of Industrial Plasmas
Module Code	PHY1000 (ITS: PS508A)
Faculty	Physical Sciences	School	Science & Health
NFQ level	9	Credit Rating	7.5

Description

The purpose of this module is to 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. Develop and articulate an understanding of knowledge at the forefront of research both qualitatively, and, where appropriate, quantitatively, of the distinguishing features of a plasma.
2. Demonstrate the ability to identify the critical plasma parameters pertaining to industrial plasmas.
3. Demonstrate the ability to evaluate the importance of plasmas in industry.
4. Demonstrate the knowledge required to identify the requirements for plasma generation and characterisation.
5. Demonstrate the ability to apply physical principles in order to solve written numerical problems.
6. Demonstrate the ability to communicate the concepts, methods and ideas studied in this module with their peers via online discussion groups.

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Directed learning	75	Study of online course material
Directed learning	24	Participation in online discussion groups
Assignment Completion	30	Study for, and completion of, 5 loop quizes
Independent Study	58.5	Study for final examination
Total Workload: 187.5

Section Breakdown
CRN	10032	Part of Term	Semester 1
Coursework	0%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	Y
Resit Category	RC1	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Paul Swift	Module Teacher

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Loop Quiz	5 Quizzes	15%	n/a
Participation	On-line participation in discussion groups	10%	n/a
Formal Examination	2 hour formal examination	75%	End-of-Semester

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; RC1: A resit is available for both^* components of the module. RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module. RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element. ^* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

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.

Indicative Reading List

Books:

M. A. Lieberman and A. J. Lichtenberg: 2005, Principles of Plasma Discharges and Materials Processing, 2, John Wiley & Sons,, 9780471720010

Articles:
None

Other Resources

None