Module: Stellar Physics

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Stellar Physics
Module Code	ASP1005 (ITS: PS311)
Faculty	Physical Sciences	School	Science & Health
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5

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

Section Breakdown
CRN	10069	Part of Term	Semester 1
Coursework	0%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	Y
Resit Category	RC3	Best Mark	Y
Module Co-ordinator	Maria Chernyakova	Module Teacher	Robert Brose

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Presentation	Oral presentation of an assigned article	20%	Week 8
Formal Examination	End-of-Semester Final Examination	80%	End-of-Semester

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; RC1: A resit is available for both^* components of the module. RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module. RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element. ^* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

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.

Indicative Reading List

Books:

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

Articles:
None

Other Resources

None