- UCAS course code
- F3FA
- UCAS institution code
- M20
Course unit details:
Stars and Stellar Evolution
Unit code | PHYS30692 |
---|---|
Credit rating | 10 |
Unit level | Level 4 |
Teaching period(s) | Semester 2 |
Offered by | School of Physics and Astronomy |
Available as a free choice unit? | No |
Overview
Stars and Stellar Evolution
Pre/co-requisites
Unit title | Unit code | Requirement type | Description |
---|---|---|---|
Introduction to Astrophysics and Cosmology | PHYS10191 | Pre-Requisite | Compulsory |
Electromagnetism | PHYS20141 | Pre-Requisite | Compulsory |
Statistical Mechanics | PHYS20352 | Pre-Requisite | Compulsory |
Follow - Up units
PHYS40591 - Radio Astronomy
PHYS40771 - Gravitation
Aims
To apply the fundamental physics laws to understand the physics of stellar structure.
Learning outcomes
Syllabus
1. Observed properties of stars
Measurement of stellar distances, luminosities, temperatures. Masses and radii. The Hertzsprung-Russell diagram.
2. Equations of Stellar structure
Time scales. Fundamental equations: mass conservation, hydrostatic equilibrium, energy transport. The virial theorem. Radiative transport and convection.
3. Equations of State
Pressure as function of temperature and density for: Photons, Ideal gas, Degenerate electron gas. Mean molecular weight. Ionization.
4. Additional equations: opacity and energy generation
Sources of opacity. Energy generation. Nuclear fusion: cross sections and reaction rates. The Gamow peak. Temperature dependence of nuclear reactions. Neutrinos.
5. Stellar modelling
Limits to the mass. Solving the coupled equations. Simple analytic stellar models: polytropes and other relations. Numerical models. The Eddington luminosity. Dimensional analysis and mass-radius relations. The HR diagram.
6. Early stellar evolution
The Hayashi line. Onset of nuclear burning. Main sequence evolution. Life times.
7. Post-main sequence evolution
Isothermal cores. Shell burning. Degeneracy: the helium flash. The RGB and the AGB. Mass loss. White dwarfs. Core collapse. Supernovae.
Assessment methods
Method | Weight |
---|---|
Written exam | 100% |
Feedback methods
Feedback will be available on students’ individual written solutions to examples sheets, and model answers will be issued.
Recommended reading
Recommended text
Prialnik, D. An Introduction to the Theory of Stellar Structure and Evolution (CUP 2000)
Useful references
Clayton, D.D. Principles of Stellar Evolution and Nucleosynthesis (University of Chicago 1984)
Phillips, A.C. The Physics of Stars (Wiley 1994)
Study hours
Scheduled activity hours | |
---|---|
Assessment written exam | 1.5 |
Lectures | 23 |
Independent study hours | |
---|---|
Independent study | 75.5 |
Teaching staff
Staff member | Role |
---|---|
John Leahy | Unit coordinator |