Web based Graduate Courses in Fusion Graham

Web-based Graduate Courses inFusion : 

Web-based Graduate Courses in Fusion Professor Bill Graham Centre for Plasma Physics Queen’s University Belfast Northern Ireland b.graham@qub.ac.uk

Outline : 

Outline Philosophy of courses Course structure Course delivery Content Assessment procedures.

Philosophy of course : 

Philosophy of course Web-based modules provided by EU universities and research laboratories. Deliver specialist plasma physics and fusion courses across the EU. These modules could be taken as stand alone Or combined to qualify for a Graduate Diploma or Masters qualification Acts as a vehicle for closer collaboration between plasma physics centres and groups within the EU

Slide4: 

anyone could enrol for a module. They could thus be available as: additional material in existing MSc courses courses for PhD students refresher or upgrade opportunities for those already working in the plasma sciences.

Why Web-based?: 

Why Web-based? can be studied at any time and on-site. allows modules to be taught that would not be cost effective at a single institution. can create a good learning environment for single or small number of students at dispersed sites. can allow sharing of courses across Europe can act as a repository for specialist courses.    

Masters Course Structure: 

Masters Course Structure Each module (equivalent to 20 CAT points at level M) represents approximately 200 hours work including and all study, assignments and assessment. can be tailored to specific needs. Normal UK Masters arrangement: 5 or 6 modules and a project (weight 3 or 2 modules)  

Core ModulesFirst semester: 

Core Modules First semester Basic Plasma Physics 2-3 week residential module? Introductory Plasma Theory Weeks 4 to 12 Introductory Experimental Plasma Physics

Advanced Modules: 

Advanced Modules Could be advanced topics in Plasma Physics, Surface Science Diagnostics Engineering Vacuum Technology,

Project: 

Project First Semester General exposure to different laboratory, theoretical or simulation techniques Second Semester Project defined Focus on developing skills with specific technique Spring and Summer Project work and write up Can be in University, Research Institution or Industry

Mechanism: 

Mechanism Down load lecture notes Embedded tutorial questions to promote online discussion Marks for on line participation Regular quizzes

Assessment procedures : 

Assessment procedures 10% Online participation 15% Multiple choice quizzes 20% Written assignments 55% Final examination

Slide13: 

www.plasmavacuum.com The approach described is based on a current QUB/DCU web-based MSc in Plasma and Vacuum Technology taken part-time by those mainly working in industry. Details can be seen at

Course delivery : 

Course delivery Module delivery team Deliver material Monitor and direct on-line discussions Monitor quizzes Mark assignments Set exams Mark exams 2 to 3 people ( with tutors?) Module development team Prepare course content Prepare Assessment Material i.e assignments, quizzes Module delivery team plus 2 or 3 others.