|
Module Title |
Stellar Physics
|
|
Module Code |
PS311
|
|
School |
School of Physical Sciences
|
Online Module Resources
|
|
Level |
3
|
Credit Rating |
5
|
|
Pre-requisite |
None
|
|
Co-requisite |
None
|
|
|
Module Aims
|
|
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
|
|
Learning Outcomes:
- Establishment of a framework within which the students can structure their knowledge of astronomy and astrophysics.
- Confidence in the basic astrophysical processes.
- Acquisition of a basic understanding of star formation and stellar atmosphere physics.
- Acquisition of a basic understanding of stellar evolution.
- Acquisition of a basic understanding of stellar nucleosynthesis.
|
|
Indicative Time Allowances
|
|
|
Hours
|
|
Lectures |
36
|
|
Tutorials |
6
|
|
Laboratories |
|
|
Seminars |
|
|
Independent Learning Time |
33
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
75
|
|
Placements |
|
|
Assignments |
|
|
|
NOTE
|
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.
|
|
Indicative Syllabus
|
|
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
|
| Assessment | | Continuous Assessment | 30% | Examination Weight | 70% |
|
|
Indicative Reading List
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
Programme or List of Programmes
|
| 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 |
| PHA | BSc in Physics with Astronomy |
| SHSA | Study Abroad (Science & Health) |
| SHSAO | Study Abroad (Science & Health) |
| Archives: | |
