This course is the first in a series of two advanced plasma physics course.  The focus is on the basics of plasma physics that are foundational to all plasma disciplines.  Topics will include single particle motion in electromagnetic fields, basic plasma concepts such as Debye shielding and binary collisions, plasma models from kinetic theory to magnetohydrodynamics (MHD), plasma waves in various physical regimes, MHD equilibrium and stability, kinetic theory, collisional plasma theory, and plasma transport.  Additional topics may be addressed based on interests and needs