Stellar structure and evolution
Module PH2168
Module version of WS 2017/8 (current)
There are historic module descriptions of this module. A module description is valid until replaced by a newer one.
Whether the module’s courses are offered during a specific semester is listed in the section Courses, Learning and Teaching Methods and Literature below.
| available module versions | |
|---|---|
| WS 2017/8 | SS 2013 |
Basic Information
PH2168 is a semester module in German or English language at Master’s level which is offered in winter semester.
This Module is included in the following catalogues within the study programs in physics.
- Specific catalogue of special courses for nuclear, particle, and astrophysics
- Complementary catalogue of special courses for condensed matter physics
- Complementary catalogue of special courses for Biophysics
- Complementary catalogue of special courses for Applied and Engineering Physics
If not stated otherwise for export to a non-physics program the student workload is given in the following table.
| Total workload | Contact hours | Credits (ECTS) |
|---|---|---|
| 150 h | 30 h | 5 CP |
Responsible coordinator of the module PH2168 is Wolfgang Hillebrandt.
Content, Learning Outcome and Preconditions
Content
I. Equations of stellar evolution
1. The virial theorem and relevant timescales
2. Hydrostatic equilibrium
3. Energy generation in stars - thermonuclear reactions
4. Energy transport in stars
II. Stellar evolution
1. Stellar models
2. Main-sequence evolution
3. Late stages of stellar evolution
4. Evolution of binary stars
III. Stars as physics laboratories
1. The sun, solar neutrinos
2. Cooling of white dwarfs
IV. Stars and cosmology
1. Stars as distance indicators
2. Chemical evolution of galaxies
Learning Outcome
After successful participation in the module the students are able to:
- understand the structure and evolution of stars from their birth to late stages
- understand the physical processes that control stellar structure and evolution
- know the role stars play in the chemical evolution of galxies and in cosmology
Preconditions
Some knowledge of theoretical physics, in particular statisical physics (e.g. PH0008, PH0012 or PH2260) and nuclear physics (e.g. PH0016 or PH0015). Some basic knowledge of astrophysics and astronomy is desirable.
Courses, Learning and Teaching Methods and Literature
Courses and Schedule
| Type | SWS | Title | Lecturer(s) | Dates | Links |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| VO | 2 | Stellar Structure and Evolution | Hillebrandt, W. |
Fri, 12:00–14:00, PH HS3 |
Learning and Teaching Methods
In the thematically structured lecture the learning content is presented and explained in a didactical and comprehensive form. This includes basic knowledge as well as selected topics from ongoing research.With cross references between different topics the universal concepts in physics and astrophysics are shown. In scientific discussions the students are involved to stimulate their analytic-physics intellectual power.
Media
Blackboard and computer presentation, powerpoint, videos.
Literature
- Cox, Giuli: Principles of Stellar Structure , Cambridge Scientific Publishers, (2004)
- Kippenhahn, Weigert, Weiss: Stellar Structure and Evolution, Springer, (2012)
- Salaris, Cassis: Evolution of Stars and Stellar Populations, Wiley & Sons, (2005)
Module Exam
Description of exams and course work
There will be an oral exam of 30 minutes duration. Therein the achievement of the competencies given in section learning outcome is tested exemplarily at least to the given cognition level using comprehension questions and sample calculations.
For example an assignment in the exam might be:
- Explain the Hertzsprung-Russel diagram
- Discuss the physics and the derivation of the stellar structure equations
- How can stars be used as distance indicators?
Exam Repetition
The exam may be repeated at the end of the semester.