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Stellar and Planetary Astrophysics

Code: 42857
Credits: 9
2026/2027
Degree programme Type Course
High Energy Physics, Astrophysics and Cosmology OP 1

Contact lecturer

Name :
Daniele Vigano
Email :
daniele.vigano@uab.cat

Teaching staff

Josep Maria Trigo Rodríguez
Nina Elisabet Nemec
Álvaro Sánchez Monge
Dominique Marc Antoine Meyer

Group languages

You can consult this information at the end of the 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

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.

Learning outcomes

  • CA08 (Adapt the acquired stellar astrophysics techniques to analyse the evolution of stars in detail.) Adapt the acquired stellar astrophysics techniques to analyse the evolution of stars in detail.
  • KA11 (Recognize the different stages of stellar evolution.) Recognize the different stages of stellar evolution.
  • KA12 (Identify the basis of stellar and planetary astrophysics.) Identify the basis of stellar and planetary astrophysics.
  • SA23 (Apply the principles of stellar atmospheres and interiors.) Apply the principles of stellar atmospheres and interiors.
  • SA24 (Analyze the fundamental properties of stars.) Analyze the fundamental properties of stars.
  • SA25 (Analyze the principles of the interstellar medium and star formation.) Analyze the principles of the interstellar medium and star formation.
  • SA26 (Calculate the evolution of a typical star.) Calculate the evolution of a typical star.
  • SA27 (Use bibliographic tools, online and in English, to deepen the fundamental concepts of stellar and planetary astrophysics.) Use bibliographic tools, online and in English, to deepen the fundamental concepts of stellar and planetary astrophysics.

Contents

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

Learning activities and methodology

Title Hours ECTS Learning outcomes
Discussions, Preparation of oral exposition 62 2.48 CA08, KA11, KA12, SA23, SA24, SA25, SA26, SA27
Theory Lectures 56 2.24 CA08, KA11, KA12, SA23, SA24, SA25, SA26, SA27
Study of the Theoretical Foundations 84 3.36 CA08, KA11, KA12, SA23, SA24, SA25, SA26, SA27

Theory Lectures and Exercises

Classwork and study at home

For this subject, the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies is permitted exclusively in support tasks, such as bibliographic or information searches. The student must clearly identify which parts have been generated with this technology, specify the tools used and include a critical reflection on how these have influenced the process and the final result of the activity. The lack of transparency in the use of AI in this assessable activity will be considered a lack of academic honesty and may lead to a partial or total penalty in the grade of the activity, or greater sanctions in serious cases.

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

Continuous assessment activities

Title Weight Hours ECTS Learning outcomes
Exam on all the topics (2 opportunities) 50% 3 0.12 CA08, KA11, KA12, SA23, SA24, SA25, SA26
Oral exposition on a selected topic 45% 20 0.8 CA08, KA11, KA12, SA23, SA24, SA25, SA26, SA27
Attendance and active participation to the lectures 5% 0 0 CA08, KA11, KA12, SA23, SA24, SA25

A written exam covering all course content, an oral presentation on a selected topic, and class attendance are required.

The written exam may be retaken, automatically forfeiting the previous partial exam grade.

In addition to passing the overall grade, a minimum partial grade of 3.5 is required on the written exam to pass the course.

This course does not offer a 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.

Course groups and languages

The information provided is provisional until November 30. After this date, you will be able to consult the language of each group through this link. To access the information, you will need to enter the course CODE

Type of teaching Group Language Semester Shift
(TEm) Theory (master) 1 English first semester morning-mixed