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Module Title |
Stellar Physics
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Module Code |
PS311
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School |
School of Physical Sciences
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Online Module Resources
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Level |
3
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Credit Rating |
5
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Pre-requisite |
None
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Co-requisite |
None
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Module Aims
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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.
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Learning Outcomes
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Learning Outcomes:
7Establishment of a framework within which the students can structure their knowledge of astronomy and astrophysics.
7Confidence in the basic astrophysical processes.
7Acquisition of a basic understanding of star formation and stellar atmosphere physics.
7Acquisition of a basic understanding of stellar evolution.
7Acquisition of a basic understanding of stellar nucleosynthesis.
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Indicative Time Allowances
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Hours
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Lectures |
36
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Tutorials |
6
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Laboratories |
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Seminars |
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Independent Learning Time |
33
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Total |
75
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Placements |
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Assignments |
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NOTE
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Assume that a 5 credit module load represents approximately 75 hours' work, which includes all teaching, in-course assignments, laboratory work or other specialised training and an estimated private learning time associated with the module.
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Indicative Syllabus
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Indicative Syllabus:
¿Observation of stars
¿Radiation from Stars
.Colour-magnitude diagram
¿Equations of stellar structure, equation of state of stellar matter
¿Stellar atmospheres (stellar opacity and mechanisms of radiation absorption)
¿Solution of stellar structure equations: Numerical methods
¿Stellar models
¿Comparison Theory-Observation
¿Radiative transport of energy: radiation and convection
¿The Virial theorem, 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-mainsequence, late and final stages)
¿White Dwarfs, Neutron stars and pulsars.
¿Mass transfer and accretion disks in binaries. X-ray binaries.
¿Supernovae and supernova remnants
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| Assessment | | Continuous Assessment | 30% | Examination Weight | 70% |
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Indicative Reading List
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Indicative Reading List:
7Rudolf Kippenhahn and Alfred Weigert: Stellar Structure and Evolution, Springer-Verlag 1994, ISBN: 0-387-58013-1.
7Bradley W. Carroll and Dale A. Ostlie, Modern Astrophysics, Addison-Wesley Publishing Company 1996, ISBN: 0-201-54730-9.
7Carl J. Hansen and Steven D. Kawaler: Stellar Interiors: Physical Principles, Structure, and Evolution, Springer-Verlag 1999, ISBN: 0-387-94138-X.
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Programme or List of Programmes
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| AP | BSc in Applied Physics |
| BSSA | Study Abroad (DCU Business School) |
| BSSAO | Study Abroad (DCU Business School) |
| ECSA | Study Abroad (Engineering & Computing) |
| ECSAO | Study Abroad (Engineering & Computing) |
| HMSA | Study Abroad (Humanities & Soc Science) |
| HMSAO | Study Abroad (Humanities & Soc Science) |
| PF | BSc in Physics with French |
| PG | BSc in Physics with German |
| PHA | BSc in Physics with Astronomy |
| SHSA | Study Abroad (Science & Health) |
| SHSAO | Study Abroad (Science & Health) |
| Archives: | |
