Unit information: Stellar Structure and Evolution 301 in 2015/16

Unit name	Stellar Structure and Evolution 301
Unit code	PHYS34013
Credit points	10
Level of study	H/6
Teaching block(s)	Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24)
Unit director	Dr. Furqaan Yusaf
Open unit status	Not open
Pre-requisites	120 credit points at Level I/5 in Physics, Physics with Astrophysics, or joint honours programmes in Mathematics and Physics or Physics and Philosophy.
Co-requisites	None
School/department	School of Physics
Faculty	Faculty of Science

Description including Unit Aims

This unit introduces the physics underlying the structure and evolution of stars, through a description of applicable nuclear physics, fluid mechanics and thermal physics.

Emphasis is placed on deriving simple models for the structures of different types of star and the processes of stellar evolution.

Aims:

• To introduce the physics that underlies the behaviour and evolution of stars, and show how these physical processes lead to stability of normal stars and the instability of some special types of stars including supernovae.
• To relate the physics of the energy generation mechanisms in stars to terrestrial fusion experiments.
• To explore how stars process primordial material into elements that are common in the Universe today.

Intended Learning Outcomes

Able to use the virial theorem and equations of hydrostatic equilibrium. Understand the importance of equations of state. Understand the different effects and environments of the r and s processes in nucleosynthesis. Understand the radiative and convective transfer of heat. Understand the ythe origins of the chemical elements. Understand how the different masses of stars lead to different endpoints of stellar evolution.

Teaching Information

Lectures and problems classes

Assessment Information

Written examination comprising 1 2-hour paper

Reading and References

• Phillips, The Physics of Stars

• Prialnik, An Introduction to the theory of Stellar Structure and Evolution

• Carroll and Ostlie, An Introduction to Modern Astrophysics.