Module: Stellar Physics

Module Specifications.

Current Academic Year 2024 - 2025

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Date posted: September 2024

Module Title	Stellar Physics
Module Code	PS311 (ITS) / ASP1005 (Banner)
Faculty	Science & Health	School	Physical Sciences
Module Co-ordinator	Robert Brose
Module Teachers	Maria Chernyakova, Samuel McKeague
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5
Pre-requisite	Not Available
Co-requisite	Not Available
Compatibles	Not Available
Incompatibles	Not Available

Repeat examination
Array

Description

Module Aims: To treat the physics of the stellar interior and the underlying fundamental processes and parameters. To introduce the topics of star formation and stellar atmosphere physics. To introduce different models developed for the explanation of the stability, dynamics and evolution of the stars.

Learning Outcomes

1. Outline and discuss the physical concepts relating to the stability of stellar structure. Solve analytically related problems.
2. Discuss the modalities of the comparison between theoretical models and observations, with applications to specific cases.
3. Describe and illustrate the different fusion reactions dominating the different phases of stellar evolution. Solve related problems.
4. Describe the main physical principles regulating stellar atmospheres and solve analytically simplified problems.
5. Discuss the evolutionary phases of stars of different masses.
6. Discuss the role of compact objects and supernovae in the evolution of binary stars and the consequences on galactic evolution.
7. Demonstrate oral communication skills

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full-time hours per semester
Lecture	24	2 lectures per week
Tutorial	6	tutorial every second week
Assignment Completion	10	oral presentation on a assigned research paper
Independent Study	85	studying lecture material, solving numerical problems and doing background reading
Total Workload: 125

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

HR diagram
Observation of stars and the Hertzsprung-Russell diagram as a diagnostic tool for stellar evolution.

Indicative Syllabus
Observation of stars and the Hertzsprung-Russell diagram as a diagnostic tool for stellar evolution. Equations of stellar structure, equation of state of stellar matter. Stellar atmospheres (stellar opacity and mechanisms of radiation absorption). Numerical methods for the solution of stellar structure equations. Stellar models. Comparison Theory-Observation. Radiative transport of energy: radiation and convection. The Virial theorem, evolutionary time scales, evolutionary speed with mass. Nuclear reactions in stars (introduction to nuclear reactions, fusion reactions, stellar nuclear reaction cycles). Stellar evolution (evolutionary phases for stars of various masses: pre-main sequence, main sequence, post-main sequence, late and final stages). White Dwarfs, Neutron stars and pulsars. Supernovae and supernova remnants. Introduction to the evolution of binary stars.

Stellar structure
Equations of stellar structure, equation of state of stellar matter. Stellar atmospheres (stellar opacity and mechanisms of radiation absorption).Numerical methods for the solution of stellar structure equations. Stellar models. Comparison Theory-Observation.

Energy transfer
Radiative transport of energy: radiation and convection. The Virial theorem, evolutionary time scales, evolutionary speed with mass. Nuclear reactions in stars (introduction to nuclear reactions, fusion reactions, stellar nuclear reaction cycles).

Stellar evolution
Stellar evolution (evolutionary phases for stars of various masses: pre-main sequence, main sequence, post-main sequence, late and final stages). White Dwarfs, Neutron stars and pulsars. Supernovae and supernova remnants. Introduction to the evolution of binary stars.

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment	20%	Examination Weight	80%

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Course Work Breakdown
Presentation	Oral presentation of an assigned article	20%	Week 8

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories: Resit category 1: A resit is available for both* components of the module. Resit category 2: No resit is available for a 100% continuous assessment module. Resit category 3: No resit is available for the continuous assessment component where there is a continuous assessment and examination element.
* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a Continuous Assessment/Examination split; where the module is 100% continuous assessment, there will also be a resit of the assessment
This module is category 3

Indicative Reading List

Bradley W. Carroll and Dale A. Ostlie: 2007, Modern Astrophysics, second edition, AddisonWesley Publishing Company, 0201547309.7
Carl J. Hansen and Steven D. Kawaler: 1999, Stellar Interiors: Physical Principles, Structure, and Evolution, SpringerVerlag, 038794138X
Rudolf Kippenhahn and Alfred Weigert: 1994, Stellar Structure and Evolution, SpringerVerlag, 0387580131.7

Other Resources

None