Registry
Module Specifications
Archived Version 2021 - 2022
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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 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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 |
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Indicative Content and
Learning Activities HR diagramObservation of stars and the Hertzsprung-Russell diagram as a diagnostic tool for stellar evolution.Indicative SyllabusObservation 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 structureEquations 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 transferRadiative 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 evolutionStellar 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. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Indicative Reading List
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Other Resources None | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Programme or List of Programmes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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