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2021/2022

Stellar and Planetary Astrophysics

Code: 42857 ECTS Credits: 9
Degree Type Year Semester
4313861 High Energy Physics, Astrophysics and Cosmology OT 0 1
The proposed teaching and assessment methodology that appear in the guide may be subject to changes as a result of the restrictions to face-to-face class attendance imposed by the health authorities.

Contact

Name:
Aldo Marcelo Serenelli
Email:
Desconegut

Use of Languages

Principal working language:
english (eng)

Teachers

Jordi Isern Vilaboy
Josep Maria Trigo Rodríguez
Aldo Marcelo Serenelli

Prerequisites

It is assumed that students have a basic knowledge of Mechanics, Classic and Quantum, Thermodynamics, Statistical Mechanics and Atomic and Nuclear Physics. Several specific aspects, like energy transport, will be introduced during lectures.

Objectives and Contextualisation

The goal of this module is to provide the basic knowledge on two funfamental branches of Modern Astrophysics: structure and evolution of stars and structure and evolution of planets.

Competences

  • Apply the main principles to specific areas such as particle physics, astrophysics of stars, planets and galaxies, cosmology and physics beyond the Standard Model.
  • Formulate and tackle problems, both open and more defined, identifying the most relevant principles and using approaches where necessary to reach a solution, which should be presented with an explanation of the suppositions and approaches.
  • Understand the bases of advanced topics selected at the frontier of high energy physics, astrophysics and cosmology and apply them consistently.
  • Use acquired knowledge as a basis for originality in the application of ideas, often in a research context.
  • Use critical reasoning, analytical capacity and the correct technical language and formulate logical arguments.

Learning Outcomes

  1. Calculate the evolution of a star type.
  2. Make a detailed analysis of the evolution of compact binary systems.
  3. Recognise the different states of stellar evolution.
  4. Understand the basics of stellar and planetary astrophysics.
  5. Understand the interior details of the sun.
  6. Understand the mechanisms of the formation of planetary systems.
  7. Understand the processes of star formation.

Content

  • Fundamental properties of stars
  • Stellar atmospheres
  • Stellar interiors
  • Interstellar medium and star formation
  • Stellar evolution
  • Variable stars
  • The Sun
  • Planets

Methodology

Theory Lectures and Exercises

Classwork and Homework

Annotation: Within the schedule set by the centre or degree programme, 15 minutes of one class will be reserved for students to evaluate their lecturers and their courses or modules through questionnaires.

Activities

Title Hours ECTS Learning Outcomes
Type: Directed      
Theory Lectures 56 2.24 2, 1, 7, 4, 5, 6, 3
Type: Autonomous      
Discussions, Work Groups, Group Exercises 62 2.48 2, 1, 7, 4, 5, 6, 3
Study of the Theoretical Foundations 64 2.56 2, 1, 7, 4, 5, 6, 3

Assessment

One exam of all the contents, homework on all the contents, oral exposition on a selected topic.

Assessment Activities

Title Weighting Hours ECTS Learning Outcomes
Exam on all the topics (2 opportunities) 50% 3 0.12 2, 1, 7, 4, 5, 6, 3
Homework 25% 20 0.8 2, 1, 7, 4, 5, 6, 3
Oral exposition on a selected topic 25% 20 0.8 2, 1, 7, 4, 5, 6, 3

Bibliography

Stellar Structure and Evolution. R. Kippenhahn, R. Weigert, A. Weiss. Springer.

Physics, formation and evolution of rotating stars. A. Maeder. Springer

Stellar interiors. Physical principles, structure and evolution. C. J. Hansen & S. D. Kawaler. Springer-Verlag

The physics of stars. A. C. Phillips. John Wiley & Sons

Black Holes, White Dwarfs and Neutron Stars. S. Shapiro and S. Teukolsky. Wiley

Software

We do not use specific programs.