Description
Objectives
Learn the fundaments and concepts of stellar astrophysics. Enhance the understanding of the astrophysical phenomena by the application of fundamental laws of classical and modern physics. Students will get familiarized with the theoretical work and observational breakthroughs of contemporaneous astrophysics. The concepts are explained without complete formal demonstrations, but rather with an emphasis on physics. Students will develop a pragmatic attitude to solve problems by recurring to physics principles and mathematical techniques.
Syllabus
Introduction to astrophysics (the interaction of matter and light, electromagnetic spectrum, telescopes); Atmosphere of the stars (stellar spectra, formation of spectral lines, HertzprungRussell diagram); Interior of the stars (equations of structure, equation of state, opacity, energy transport, nucleosynthesis, polytropic models); Sun (solar standard model, solar neutrinos, solar dynamo); Interstellar medium (dust and gas, interstellar clouds, instabilities and Jeans criterion, the virial theorem, formation of protostars); stellar pulsation (variable stars, nonradial stellar oscillations, helioseismology, asteroseismology); fate of stars (subgiant, red giants, asymptotic red giants, stellar clusters), stellar remnants/compact stars (white dwarfs, neutron stars, black holes); galaxies in the universe (Milky Way, galactic center, classification of galaxies).
Prerequisites
Integral and Diferential Calculus I, II and III. It will be useful if the student already knows basic concepts of mechanics, thermodynamics, statistical and quantum physics.
Cross Competence Component
The UC allows the development of transversal competences on Critical Thinking, namely strategic thinking and problem-solving approaches, within the assignments, flash and paper presentations, and project; Interpersonal and Intrapersonal Skills (oral, organizational and teamwork, self-discipline, perseverance, self-motivation skills - within the assignments, flash and paper presentations, and project); and Information and Media Literacy (ability to locate and access information, as well as to analyze and evaluate media content - within the assignments, flash and paper presentations, and project). The assessment percentage associated with these competencies should be around 15%.
Laboratorial Component
There is no laboratory.
Programming And Computing Component
A computation and programming aspect that will be developed through examples in the class and by homework. The course will stimulate the numerical resolution of astrophysical problems, by focusing both on the algorithmic procedure and the physical concepts. At least 15% of the course will be dedicated to develop student’s computation skills.
Ethical Principles
All members of a group are responsible for the group’s work In any assessment, every student shall honestly disclose any help received and sources used. In an oral assessment, every student shall be able to present and answer questions about the entire assignment and solution.