615.755.81 - Space Physics

Course Structure

The course materials are divided into 14 modules which can be accessed by clicking Course Modules on the course menu. A module will have several sections including the overview, content, readings, discussions, and assignments. You are encouraged to preview all sections of the module before starting. Most modules run for a period of seven (7) days, exceptions are noted in the Course Outline. You should regularly check the Calendar and Announcements for assignment due dates.

Course Topics

• Introduction to Space Physics
• Application of Electrodynamics to Space Physics – Single Particle Motion
• What is a Plasma?
• Space Plasmas Near Earth – The Ionosphere
• The Sun, Our Nearest Star
• Space Plasmas of the Sun’s Atmosphere
• Space Plasmas Ejected from the Sun – The Solar Wind and Heliosphere
• Plasma Physics – Collisionless Shocks
• Interaction of Solar Wind with Magnetized Bodies
• Interaction of Solar Wind with Unmagnetized Bodies
• Earth’s Magnetosphere
• Considerations for Manned and Unmanned Exploration of the Solar System
• Auroras, Terrestrial and Extraterrestrial
• Space Weather Impacts to Terrestrial Systems Built by Humans

Course Goals

• Examine the physics of the solar-terrestrial system and the shaping of the solar system by studying the driving influence of the solar wind and storms and their impacts on the Earth, magnetized and unmagnetized bodies.
• Apply your prior knowledge of electrodynamics to the solar-terrestrial system to understand plasmas, shock formation, and magnetospheric physics.
• Propose strategies to lessen or avoid impacts to human systems such as the power and communications during space weather events.

Course Learning Outcomes (CLOs)

• Analyze contributions of Solar System exploration missions to current understanding of physical phenomena in our Solar System driven by the Sun.
• Apply electrodynamics and gas dynamics concepts to characterize behaviors of space plasmas near Earth, the Sun, and in the solar wind.
• Investigate shock formation in the solar wind and solar wind interaction with solar system bodies, both magnetized and unmagnetized.
• Examine the dynamic processes in the Earth’s magnetosphere and apply to describe observed phenomena during geomagnetic storms.
• Evaluate space physics impacts to space exploration and terrestrial systems and recommend impact mitigation strategies.

Textbooks

REQUIRED: Russell, C., Luhmann, J., & Strangeway, R. (2016). Space physics. Cambridge University Press. ISBN: 9781107098824

OPTIONAL: Baumjohann, W., & Treumann, R. A. (1996). Basic space plasma physics (1st ed.). London: Imperial College Press.

Student Coursework Requirements

Preparation and Participation (10% of Final Grade Calculation)

You are responsible for carefully reading all assigned material and being prepared for discussion. The majority of readings are from the course text. Additional reading may be assigned to supplement text readings. Video content is also often available to supplement text readings.

Post your initial response to the discussion questions by the evening of day 4 for that module week. Posting a response to the discussion question is part one of your grade for module discussions (i.e., Timeliness).

Part two of your grade for module discussion is your interaction (i.e., responding to classmate postings with thoughtful responses) with at least two classmates (i.e., Critical Thinking). Just posting your response to a discussion question is not sufficient; we want you to interact with your classmates. Be detailed in your postings and in your responses to your classmates' postings. Feel free to agree or disagree with your classmates. Please ensure that your postings are civil and constructive.

I will monitor module discussions and will respond to some of the discussions as discussions are posted. In some instances, I will summarize the overall discussions and post the summary for the module.

Evaluation of preparation and participation is based on contribution to discussions.

Preparation and participation are evaluated by the following grading elements:

Timeliness (50%)

Critical Thinking (50%)

Preparation and participation are graded as follows:

• 100–90 = A—Timeliness [regularly participates; all required postings; early in discussion; throughout the discussion]; Critical Thinking [rich in content; full of thoughts, insight, and analysis].
• 89–80 = B—Timeliness [frequently participates; all required postings; some not in time for others to read and respond]; Critical Thinking [substantial information; thought, insight, and analysis has taken place].
• 79–70 = C—Timeliness [infrequently participates; all required postings; most at the last minute without allowing for response time]; Critical Thinking [generally competent; information is thin and commonplace].
• <70 = F—Timeliness [rarely participates; some, or all required postings missing]; Critical Thinking [rudimentary and superficial; no analysis or insight is displayed].

Assignments (50% of Final Grade Calculation)

Assignments will include a mix of projects (i.e. researching a topic and reporting out in presentation format), problem sets, and interactive space physics exercises.  For all assignments, include a cover sheet with your name and assignment identifier. Also include your name and a page number indicator (i.e., page x of y) on each page of your submissions. For projects, ensure all sources are cited for non-original content (e.g. figures from literature, text generated from generative AI tools) and that all figures and tables are captioned and labeled appropriately.  For problem sets, organize each problem response neatly and clearly identify the problem statement, assumptions, computations, and conclusions.

All assignments are due according to the dates in the Calendar.

Late submissions will be reduced by one letter grade for each week late (no exceptions without prior coordination with the instructor).

If, after submitting a written assignment you are not satisfied with the grade received, you are encouraged to redo the assignment and resubmit it. If the resubmission results in a better grade, that grade will be substituted for the previous grade.

Project assignments are evaluated by the following grading elements:

1. Each part of question is answered (20%)
2. Content quality and technical accuracy (30%) (Presentations and reports are expected to meet or exceed accepted graduate-level English and scholarship standards. That is, all assignments will be graded on grammar and style as well as content.)
3. Organization and structure (20%)
4. Delivery of presentation (15%)
5. Outside references are included (15%)

Project assignments are graded as follows:

• 100–90 = A—All parts of question are addressed; Content Quality/ Organization & Structure/ Presentation Delivery/ Outside References [rich in content; full of thought, insight, and analysis].
• 89–80 = B—All parts of the question are addressed; Content Quality/ Organization & Structure/ Presentation Delivery/ Outside References [substantial information; thought, insight, and analysis has taken place].
• 79–70=C—Majority of parts of the question are addressed; Content Quality/ Organization & Structure/ Presentation Delivery/ Outside References [generally competent; information is thin and commonplace].
• <70=F—Some parts of the question are addressed; Content Quality/ Organization & Structure/ Presentation Delivery/ Outside References [rudimentary and superficial; no analysis or insight displayed].

Problem sets and interactive exercise assignments are evaluated by the following grading elements:

1. Each part of question is answered (20%)
2. Assumptions are clearly stated (20%)
3. Intermediate derivations and calculations are provided (25%)
4. Answer is technically correct and is clearly indicated (25%)
5. Answer precision and units are appropriate (10%)

Quantitative assignments are graded as follows:

• 100–90 = A—All parts of question are addressed; All assumptions are clearly stated; All intermediate derivations and calculations are provided; Answer is technically correct and is clearly indicated; Answer precision and units are appropriate.
• 89–80 = B—All parts of question are addressed; All assumptions are clearly stated; Some intermediate derivations and calculations are provided; Answer is technically correct and is indicated; Answer precision and units are appropriate.
• 79–70=C—Most parts of question are addressed; Assumptions are partially stated; Few intermediate derivations and calculations are provided; Answer is not technically correct but is indicated; Answer precision and units are indicated but inappropriate.
• <70=F—Some parts of the question are addressed; Assumptions are not stated; Intermediate derivations and calculations are not provided; The answer is incorrect or missing; The answer precision and units are inappropriate or missing.

Midterm Exam (15% of Final Grade Calculation)

The midterm exam will be available in Module 7. You will have one week to complete the midterm exam; it will be due on Day 7 of Module 7.  This exam is open book, open notes, and not timed.  This exam must be completed independently.  You can choose the format for submission; either writing your answers out by hand on a clean sheet of paper and scanning to submit a PDF or by typing your responses into a document are acceptable.

The exam is evaluated by the following grading elements:

1. Each part of question is answered (20%)
2. Assumptions are clearly stated (20%)
3. Intermediate derivations and calculations are provided (25%)
4. Answer is technically correct and is clearly indicated (25%)
5. Answer precision and units are appropriate (10%)

The exam is graded as follows:

• 100–90 = A—All parts of question are addressed; All assumptions are clearly stated; All intermediate derivations and calculations are provided; Answer is technically correct and is clearly indicated; Answer precision and units are appropriate.
• 89–80 = B—All parts of question are addressed; All assumptions are clearly stated; Some intermediate derivations and calculations are provided; Answer is technically correct and is indicated; Answer precision and units are appropriate.
• 79–70=C—Most parts of question are addressed; Assumptions are partially stated; Few intermediate derivations and calculations are provided; Answer is not technically correct but is indicated; Answer precision and units are indicated but inappropriate.
• <70=F—Some parts of the question are addressed; Assumptions are not stated; Intermediate derivations and calculations are not provided; The answer is incorrect or missing; The answer precision and units are inappropriate or missing.

Final Project (25% of Final Grade Calculation)

The final project will be assigned during Module 8.  The final project will be delivered incrementally over the time period between Modules 8 and 14.  In Module 8, the final project topic proposal is due.  In Modules 9 and 10 literature survey references will be submitted for credit and feedback.  In Module 11, the final project outline is due.  In Module 12 you will submit your draft presentation for credit and feedback.  Finally, in Module 13, you will finalize your presentation and record the delivery.  In Module 14 you will post the video to Canvas for comment by your classmates.  Participating in the discussion of classmate’s final project videos is graded as a portion of your final project grade. 

The final project is broken down into these deliverables over the second half of the course to ensure that each student receives feedback from the instructor on the suitability of their project topic, literature references, outline of content, and draft presentation content/format/style. 

Please see the Final Project Overview for detailed breakdown of the final project deliverables and rubric for grading.

Grading

Grading Policy

Assignments are due according to the dates posted in the Canvas course site. You may check these due dates in the Course Calendar or the Assignments in the corresponding modules. I will post grades one week after assignment due dates.

We generally do not directly grade spelling and grammar. However, egregious violations of the rules of the English language will be noted without comment. Consistently poor performance in either spelling or grammar is taken as an indication of poor written communication ability that may detract from your grade.

A grade of A indicates achievement of consistent excellence and distinction throughout the course—that is, conspicuous excellence in all aspects of tests, projects, assignments and discussion in every week.

A grade of B indicates work that meets all course requirements on a level appropriate for graduate academic work. These criteria apply to both undergraduates and graduate students taking the course.

EP uses a +/- grading system (see “Grading System”, Graduate Programs catalog, p. 10).

100-98 = A+ 97-94 = A 93-90 = A− 89-87 = B+ 86-83 = B 82-80 = B− 79-77 = C+ 76-73 = C 72-70 = C− 69-67 = D+ 66-63 = D <63 = F

Final grades will be determined by the following weighting:

Course Policies

It is expected that all students work independently to complete all discussions, assignments, exams, and projects.  Discussion of coursework and assignments is encouraged between the students, but all submitted work must be original and completed independently. 

Generative AI Policy

Generative AI tools such as OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Google’s Gemini are allowed to be used during this course.  These tools can be particularly helpful in finding scholarly articles for your research projects.  It is required that you check all output for accuracy and cite the use of generative AI tools as a reference following this example APA citation style:

OpenAI. (2023). ChatGPT (Mar 14 version) [Large language model]. https://chat.openai.com/chat Parenthetical citation: (OpenAI, 2023) Narrative citation: OpenAI (2023)

Note that this citation is not accepted as one of your 3 final project presentation references but it must be listed in addition to your 3 references if generative AI tools are used.

Remember that Generative AI is just another tool in your toolbox for creating your own original work and should not be used to directly generate problem set answers, discussion responses, or project/presentation content.  Any work turned in that can be shown to be a direct copy and paste of a generative AI tool response will be given a zero.

Academic Policies

Deadlines for Adding, Dropping and Withdrawing from Courses

Students may add a course up to one week after the start of the term for that particular course. Students may drop courses according to the drop deadlines outlined in the EP academic calendar (https://ep.jhu.edu/student-services/academic-calendar/). Between the 6th week of the class and prior to the final withdrawal deadline, a student may withdraw from a course with a W on their academic record. A record of the course will remain on the academic record with a W appearing in the grade column to indicate that the student registered and withdrew from the course.

Academic Misconduct Policy

All students are required to read, know, and comply with the Johns Hopkins University Krieger School of Arts and Sciences (KSAS) / Whiting School of Engineering (WSE) Procedures for Handling Allegations of Misconduct by Full-Time and Part-Time Graduate Students.

This policy prohibits academic misconduct, including but not limited to the following: cheating or facilitating cheating; plagiarism; reuse of assignments; unauthorized collaboration; alteration of graded assignments; and unfair competition. Course materials (old assignments, texts, or examinations, etc.) should not be shared unless authorized by the course instructor. Any questions related to this policy should be directed to EP’s academic integrity officer at ep-academic-integrity@jhu.edu.

Students with Disabilities - Accommodations and Accessibility

Johns Hopkins University values diversity and inclusion. We are committed to providing welcoming, equitable, and accessible educational experiences for all students. Students with disabilities (including those with psychological conditions, medical conditions and temporary disabilities) can request accommodations for this course by providing an Accommodation Letter issued by Student Disability Services (SDS). Please request accommodations for this course as early as possible to provide time for effective communication and arrangements.

For further information or to start the process of requesting accommodations, please contact Student Disability Services at Engineering for Professionals, ep-disability-svcs@jhu.edu.

Student Conduct Code

The fundamental purpose of the JHU regulation of student conduct is to promote and to protect the health, safety, welfare, property, and rights of all members of the University community as well as to promote the orderly operation of the University and to safeguard its property and facilities. As members of the University community, students accept certain responsibilities which support the educational mission and create an environment in which all students are afforded the same opportunity to succeed academically. 

For a full description of the code please visit the following website: https://studentaffairs.jhu.edu/policies-guidelines/student-code/

Classroom Climate

JHU is committed to creating a classroom environment that values the diversity of experiences and perspectives that all students bring. Everyone has the right to be treated with dignity and respect. Fostering an inclusive climate is important. Research and experience show that students who interact with peers who are different from themselves learn new things and experience tangible educational outcomes. At no time in this learning process should someone be singled out or treated unequally on the basis of any seen or unseen part of their identity. 
 
If you have concerns in this course about harassment, discrimination, or any unequal treatment, or if you seek accommodations or resources, please reach out to the course instructor directly. Reporting will never impact your course grade. You may also share concerns with your program chair, the Assistant Dean for Diversity and Inclusion, or the Office of Institutional Equity. In handling reports, people will protect your privacy as much as possible, but faculty and staff are required to officially report information for some cases (e.g. sexual harassment).

Course Auditing

When a student enrolls in an EP course with “audit” status, the student must reach an understanding with the instructor as to what is required to earn the “audit.” If the student does not meet those expectations, the instructor must notify the EP Registration Team [EP-Registration@exchange.johnshopkins.edu] in order for the student to be retroactively dropped or withdrawn from the course (depending on when the "audit" was requested and in accordance with EP registration deadlines). All lecture content will remain accessible to auditing students, but access to all other course material is left to the discretion of the instructor.