Course Details in 2026/27 Session


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Module Title LH The Life and Death of Stars
SchoolPhysics and Astronomy
Department Physics & Astronomy
Module Code 03 21826
Module Lead Dr Annelies Mortier
Level Honours Level
Credits 10
Semester Semester 1
Pre-requisites
Co-requisites
Restrictions The module is available within all degree programmes as an optional module.
Contact Hours Lecture-18 hours
Tutorial-4 hours
Guided independent study-78 hours
Total: 100 hours
Exclusions
Description

This module is designed to deal with the essential elements of stellar evolution theory. It will consider the equations of stellar structure and their solutions, energy transport and energy generation in stars; equations of state and astrophysical opacities, and key stages of stellar evolution.

The topics to be covered are:

  • Introduction
  • Modern methods for observation of Stars
  • Virial Theorem and its Implications for Stellar Evolution
  • Equations of Stellar Structure
  • Hydrostatic Equilibrium
  • Thermonuclear Energy Generation
  • Energy and Transport by Radiation
  • Energy and Transport by Convection
  • Equations of State
  • Solutions to the Equations of Stellar Structure
  • Main Sequence Evolution and Red Giants
  • Compact Objects
Learning Outcomes By the end of the module the student should be able to:
  • explain the basic elements of stellar evolution in the context of the Virial Theorem;
  • maniplulate the equations of stellar structure;
  • discuss how energy is generated and then transported in stars, and how different physical conditions affect the efficacy of the different transport mechanicsm (ie, radiation versus convection);
  • explain the key stages of stellar evolution, and the impact these have on the stellar structures.
Assessment 21826-01 : Exam : Exam (Centrally Timetabled) - Written Unseen (80%)
21826-02 : Assessed problems : Coursework (20%)
Assessment Methods & Exceptions Coursework (20%); 1.5 hour Examination (80%)
Other
Reading List