THE UNIVERSITY of EDINBURGH

DEGREE REGULATIONS & PROGRAMMES OF STUDY 2011/2012
- ARCHIVE for reference only
THIS PAGE IS OUT OF DATE

University Homepage
DRPS Homepage
DRPS Search
DRPS Contact
DRPS : Course Catalogue : School of Physics and Astronomy : Undergraduate (School of Physics and Astronomy)

Undergraduate Course: Astrophysics 3 (VS1) (PHYS10075)

Course Outline
SchoolSchool of Physics and Astronomy CollegeCollege of Science and Engineering
Course typeStandard AvailabilityPart-year visiting students only
Credit level (Normal year taken)SCQF Level 10 (Year 3 Undergraduate) Credits10
Home subject areaUndergraduate (School of Physics and Astronomy) Other subject areaNone
Course website http://www.roe.ac.uk/~pnb/teaching.html Taught in Gaelic?No
Course descriptionStudents are introduced to the physics of stars and their influence on their galactic environment. The basic observational properties of stars are reviewed including the HR diagram, followed by a discussion of the physical structure of stars on the Main Sequence to their final states as exotic objects: white dwarfs, neutron stars, and black holes. The interactions of stars with their surroundings are described - namely HII regions, stellar winds and supernova remnants.
Entry Requirements (not applicable to Visiting Students)
Pre-requisites Co-requisites
Prohibited Combinations Other requirements Year 2 Physics and Mathematics
Additional Costs None
Information for Visiting Students
Pre-requisitesNone
Displayed in Visiting Students Prospectus?Yes
Course Delivery Information
Delivery period: 2011/12 Semester 1, Part-year visiting students only (VV1) WebCT enabled:  No Quota:  None
Location Activity Description Weeks Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
OtherLecture1-11 12:10 - 13:00
OtherLecture1-11 12:10 - 13:00
OtherTutorial2-11 11:10 - 13:00
First Class Week 1, Tuesday, 12:10 - 13:00, Zone: Other. ROE Lecture Theatre
Additional information Workshop/tutorial sessions, as arranged.
Exam Information
Exam Diet Paper Name Hours:Minutes
Main Exam Diet S1 (December)Astrophysics 3 (VS1)2:00
Summary of Intended Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, it is intended that the student will be able to :

1) Understand the physics behind the colour-magnitude diagram of stars.
2) Describe the physics of stellar structure, and apply hydrostatic equilibrium and radiative diffusion equations to get physical conditions and timescales.
3) Explain a star's energy production source and process, and describe how energy is transported out of a star.
4) Derive the equation of state of degenerate gas and describe the degeneracy pressure and support of white dwarfs and neutron stars.
5) Explain photoionization equilibrium, estimate the Stromgren radius and describe how the temperature and density of the intergalactic medium are measured.
6) Describe fluid dynamics equations, derive the sound speed and shock jump conditions, and explain the impact of stellar winds and supernovae on the intergalactic medium.
7) Correct for the effect on light of interstellar dust and the earth's atmosphere.
Assessment Information
Degree Examination, 100%
Special Arrangements
None
Additional Information
Academic description Not entered
Syllabus Observational Astronomy
- Measuring light, colour and temperature
- Stellar classification and the Hertzsprung-Russell diagram
Stellar equations
- Hydrostatic equilibrium
- Energy generation in stars
- Radiative diffusion
Main Sequence Stars
- Mass--luminosity relation
- Convection
- Upper and lower mass limits to main sequence
Post Main Sequence Evolution
- Degenerate stars
- Occupation numbers, critical densities, equation of state
- Chandrasekher limit and compact stars
The Interstellar Medium and HII regions
- Extinction
- HII regions: ionisation and Stromgren Spheres
- Temperature and density of the ISM
The Dynamic Interstellar Medium
- Fluid dynamics and sound waves
- Shocks; stellar winds; supernovae
Transferable skills Not entered
Reading list Not entered
Study Abroad Not entered
Study Pattern Not entered
KeywordsAs3V1
Contacts
Course organiserDr Philip Best
Tel:
Email: pnb@roe.ac.uk
Course secretaryMiss Paula Wilkie
Tel: (0131) 668 8403
Email: paw@roe.ac.uk
Navigation
Help & Information
Home
Introduction
Glossary
Search DPTs and Courses
Regulations
Regulations
Degree Programmes
Introduction
Browse DPTs
Courses
Introduction
Humanities and Social Science
Science and Engineering
Medicine and Veterinary Medicine
Other Information
Timetab
Prospectuses
Important Information
 
© Copyright 2011 The University of Edinburgh - 16 January 2012 6:41 am