Stellar and Planetary Astrophysics
Code: 42857 ECTS Credits: 9| Degree | Type | Year |
|---|---|---|
| High Energy Physics, Astrophysics and Cosmology | OT | 0 |
Contact
- Name:
- Daniele Vigano
- Email:
- daniele.vigano@uab.cat
Teachers
- Álvaro Sánchez Monge
- Dominique Marc Antoine Meyer
- Nina Elisabet Nemec
Teaching groups languages
You can view this information at the end of this document.
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
- Calculate the evolution of a star type.
- Make a detailed analysis of the evolution of compact binary systems.
- Recognise the different states of stellar evolution.
- Understand the basics of stellar and planetary astrophysics.
- Understand the interior details of the sun.
- Understand the mechanisms of the formation of planetary systems.
- Understand the processes of star formation.
Content
Fundamental properties of stars
Interstellar medium and star formation
Stellar interiors
Stellar evolution
Stellar atmospheres
Magnetic activity and rotation
Variable stars
Evolution of compact binary systems
The Sun and its planets
Introduction to the extrasolar planetary systems
Activities and Methodology
| 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 |
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.
Assessment
Continous 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 |
One exam of all the contents, homework on all the contents, oral exposition on a selected topic.
There is a second chance to take the written exam, in case you fail the first. The oral exam will be organized by agreement between the student and the teacher.
This subject/module does not foresee the single assessment system.
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
An introduction to Modern Astrophysics, B.W. Carrol, D.A. Ostlie ,Addison Wesley
Software
We do not use specific programs.
Groups and Languages
Please note that this information is provisional until 30 November 2025. You can check it through this link. To consult the language you will need to enter the CODE of the subject.
| Name | Group | Language | Semester | Turn |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| (TEm) Theory (master) | 1 | English | first semester | morning-mixed |