Expand+Why DCU?
• Combination of direct contact and online classes.

• World-class internationally recognised National Centre for Plasma Science and Technology.

• Course materials developed in consultation with leading researchers.

About You
This ...

Hide-Why DCU?
• Combination of direct contact and online classes.

• World-class internationally recognised National Centre for Plasma Science and Technology.

• Course materials developed in consultation with leading researchers.

About You
This course is designed for people who may not have a scientific background but work in a high-tech manufacturing environment where plasma or vacuum systems are used.

Understanding: Fundamentals of Plasma and Vacuum Studies

Plasma is an exotic ‘fourth state’ of matter that makes up a significant proportion of the known universe. Yet when you hear the word ‘plasma’, what do you think of? Do you think of the sun, lightning bolts or fluorescent lamps? Or do you think of nuclear fusion, microprocessor manufacture or lasers? While naturally occurring plasma is relatively unusual on earth, it is playing a larger and increasingly important role in how we use and develop modern technology. For instance, producing compact computer chips on an industrial scale is only made possible by the application of plasma.

Plasma is also a key technology in the development of alternative energy sources. Nuclear fusion, which is plasma-based, is one of the most promising candidates for the energy needs of the future when fossil fuels finally run out.

Plasma is increasingly becoming part of the industrial arena and its range of application is vast. This course will introduce you to the endless possibilities.

Course Structure
This part-time course is designed for people who work in high technology manufacturing companies or have an interest in plasmas. The course is delivered through a combination of direct contact classes and online.

You will gain a working knowledge and understanding of underlying basic scientific principles that relate to plasma, as well as the technological problems within the industrial sector that are addressed with plasma-based solutions.

A good knowledge of physics and chemistry is key to understanding the fundamental properties of plasma and vacuum, and the application of plasma science to industrial processes. A key course objective is to provide you with this basic scientific background. It is assumed that you have no prior knowledge of science, so Year One is dedicated to introducing the key concepts and ideas in maths, physics and chemistry that you will need for Year Two.

Year Two covers material that is industrially relevant. You will learn about the fundamentals of plasma and vacuum science, and the properties of materials, and how we can modify them using industrial plasma processing.

The course is designed by staff in the DCU-based NCPST (National Centre for Plasma Science and Technology), which is internationally recognised as a world-class plasma science research centre. The course material was developed in consultation with staff and researchers who are leaders in their field.