Skip to main content

EPFL launches new MOOC on plasma physics and fusion energy

EPFL launches new MOOC on plasma physics and fusion energy

On May 1, 2015, the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne (EPFL) will launch a new MOOC (Massive Open Online Course) on plasma physics and its applications on EdX - one of the most popular online education platforms.

It is one of the first open online courses, in which fusion energy forms a prominent part. The online course does not only offer traditional course material and filmed lectures, but also includes problem sets, other video material and an interactive user community. For those interested in a good introduction to fusion energy and plasma physics, it provides a nice way to learn the basics comfortably from your home.

The MOOC consists of three parts: the first part provides the basic knowledge of plasma physics, the second part discusses its applications - ranging from space and astrophysics to down to earth applications in industry and medicine.

But for us the third part is the most exciting: it gives an introduction to fusion energy, discusses the design and technology of a fusion reactor, and explains the basic physical principles behind confinement, heating and extraction of energy in a fusion reactor. Not only tokamaks are treated, but also several other plasma confinement configurations for fusion devices.

Participation to this open online course is available for free to everyone; only if you want to obtain a Verified Certificate that states that you have successfully completed the course (e.g. for your C.V.), you need to pay 50$.