Important notice
The course guide is provisional.
The PDF version of the course guide may take a few days to become available in the DDD.

Stellar and Planetary Astrophysics
Code: 42857Credits: 9
| 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.
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 |