Stellar structure and evolution II

Duration

20h Th, 20h Pr

Number of credits

Lecturer

Marc-Antoine Dupret

Language(s) of instruction

English language

Organisation and examination

Teaching in the second semester

Schedule

Schedule online

Units courses prerequisite and corequisite

Prerequisite or corequisite units are presented within each program

Learning unit contents

This course is a direct continuation of the course: "Structure et Evolution des Etoiles I".The theoretical background presented in the first part allows us now to explore the different phases of stellar evolution, putting the emphasis on the underlying physical processes. The use of homologous transformations allows us to understand the main tendencies and to quantify the importance of each physical aspect. Each phase of a stellar "life" is analysed in details: the initial phase of gravitational contraction, the main sequence (hydrogen fusion), the next red giant phases and the end of the story (white dwarfs, supernovae, neutron stars, black holes). The course is not limited to a simple description of each phase, the aim is to explore the key physical processes and causes at the origin of the stellar structure evolution in one or another direction. The different scenarios of evolution depending on the stellar mass are justified in detail. The critical phases of stellar evolution, when new nuclear reaction set off, are analysed, as well as the resulting nucleosynthesis. Stars are indeed the great creators of the universe, synthesizing all chemical elements of the universe heavier than helium.

Learning outcomes of the learning unit

Knowing and understanding the main phases of a stellar life. An exhaustive and "descriptive" knowledge is not looked for. Instead, what imports here is a precise understanding of the underlying physical processes and their respective importance.

Prerequisite knowledge and skills

To have followed the course "Structure et Evolution des Etoiles I" (SPAT 0044-1), which is a "co-required".

Planned learning activities and teaching methods

Mode of delivery (face-to-face ; distance-learning)

The lectures are given second semester, 2-3/week.
From the academic year 2015-2016, the lectures are given in English if there is at least one student attending the lectures who does not speak French. If all students speak French, the lectures are given in French.
 
 

Recommended or required readings

Detailed lecture notes are available to students as well as the powerpoint slides of the lectures. The students can find them on my web site: http://www.astro.ulg.ac.be/~dupret

Assessment methods and criteria

A list of possible questions covering the most important aspects of the course is provided (and commented) at the end of the semester. The student must answer one of them (drawn randomly) during the oral exam, he can choose to answer in English or French.

Work placement(s)

Organizational remarks

Contacts

Marc-Antoine Dupret
email: MA.Dupret@ulg.ac.be
address: Institut d'Astrophysique et Géophysique, bât. B5c, +1
Tél: 04 366 97 32

Items online