PHYS3010 Stellar Evolution

Module Overview

This course is a showcase for how the various branches of physics come together to give rise to real life phenomena. Using the example of stars, we will revisit a wide range of different physics and see how the various ingredients interact and thus how all branches of physics play a role in creating the fundamental building blocks of the universe. The emphasis of the course is on the more theoretical aspects of physics. The course is compulsory for ‘with Astronomy’ students but offers a good opportunity for all Physics students who want to obtain a hands-on experience of ‘the bigger picture’ in physics.

Aims and Objectives

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge and Understanding

Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

demonstrate clear insight into the underlying physical principles associated with all the key stages of stellar evolution from initial star formation within gas clouds in the Galactic plane, through the various stages of “stability,” to the final end products
describe how astrophysics brings together all branches of physics and thus allows us to understand the ‘big picture’ of physics
be able to solve order-of-magnitude problems on any part of the syllabus

Syllabus

- Overview of gravitational contraction and star formation, nucleosynthesis, virial theorem, stellar timescales. - Properties of matter and radiation: Ideal gas, electron and neutron degeneracy, blackbody radiation, ionization. - Heat transfer: Radiation transport, conduction, convection. - Thermonuclear fusion: Barrier penetration, reaction rates, hydrogen and helium burning, neutrino emission. - Stellar modelling: Equations of stellar structure, polytropes. - Stellar death: Supernovae, white dwarfs, neutron stars, black holes.

Learning and Teaching

Type	Hours
Follow-up work	18
Wider reading or practice	50
Completion of assessment task	18
Lecture	36
Revision	10
Preparation for scheduled sessions	18
Total study time	150

Resources & Reading list

D. Prialnik (2009). An Introduction to the Theory of Stellar Structure and Evolution.

Assessment

Summative

Method	Percentage contribution
Coursework	20%
Examination (2 hours)	80%

Repeat

Method	Percentage contribution
Coursework marks carried forward
Examination

Referral

Method	Percentage contribution
Coursework marks carried forward
Examination

Repeat Information

Repeat type: Internal & External

Linked modules

Pre-requisites: PHYS2001 AND PHYS2003 AND PHYS2006 AND PHYS2023 AND PHYS2024 AND PHYS1005