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Description
Outline:
The aim of this module is to introduce students to the most important astrophysical processes encountered in a wide range of nebular and stellar environments. A knowledge of these processes is an essential prerequisite for several subsequent more specialised 3rd and 4th year astronomy and astrophysics modules. The philosophy of the module is to start at the low density (nebular) limit, where microscopic processes must be considered individually and to then treat increasingly high density environments, working through to the atmospheres of stars; and finally to the interior regions where stellar nuclear energy sources are located.
Aims:
This module aims to provide an introduction to a range of important physical processes that operate in astrophysical environments, including the photoionization and recombination of atoms; heating and cooling mechanisms in nebulae and the interstellar medium; the formation of absorption lines; radiative transfer and energy transport, the equations of stellar structure and the Virial theorem; and fusion and other nuclear processes that operate in stars.
Intended Learning Outcomes:
After completion of this module students should be equipped with knowledge of the basic physical processes and astrophysical concepts that underline subsequent courses on the interstellar medium, stellar atmospheres and stellar structure and evolution.听
Teaching and Learning Methodology:
This module is delivered via weekly lectures supplemented by a series of problem solving tutorials and additional discussion. In addition to timetabled lecture and PST hours, it is expected that students engage in self-study in order to master the material. This can take the form, for example, of practicing example questions and further reading in textbooks and online.
Module deliveries for 2024/25 academic year
Last updated
This module description was last updated on 8th April 2024.
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