Courses / Module

On successful completion of the module, students should be able to:

• Describe the observational and theoretical basis for deducing the internal structure of a star.
• Derive the equation of hydrostatic equilibrium and the equation of state for stellar matter in terms of mean molecular weight and the contribution due to radiation pressure.
• Describe stellar energy sources including stellar nucleosynthesis and the various nuclear reaction cycles.
• Discuss with relevant thermodynamic theory the physical processes governing energy transport in stellar interiors including radiative transport and convection.
• Describe the process of stellar model building based on the stellar structure equations including polytropic models.
• Describe the physical principles for understanding the evolution of low mass stars of about 1 solar mass, from leaving the main sequence to star death as a white dwarf.
• Describe the evolution of high mass stars (greater than about 8 solar masses) including the later stages of stellar evolution and core collapse supernovas.
• Carry out relevant laboratory experiments to demonstrate and test physical principles and report the results.

Delivery methods	Hours
Lectures	22
Labs / Practicals	12
Tutorials	4
Planned learning activities	0
Independent student activities	66
Total	104

• Module Graded (numeric value) or Ungraded (Pass/Not Passed): Graded
• Continuous Assessment detail(s): Marked written assignments and laboratory assessment

Assessment type	Options	Weighting	Duration
Continuous Assessment		30%
University scheduled written examination	On-campus	70%	120 minutes
Other		0%
Total		100%	120 minutes

• Pass standard: 40%
• Could the result of this module be capped? No
• Continuous assessment (to include laboratories and assignments) is a required component of this module. It must be passed separately from the end-of-term examination, to pass the module.
• Penalties: Late submissions not accepted.

• Are supplemental/resit registrations permitted? Yes
• Continuous Assessment mark carries over to the Autumn examination.
• University scheduled written examination (Autumn): 120 minutes, On-campus

• 2nd Year Physics with Astrophysics or equivalent.

For a full timetable search, go to NUIM Timetable. Venue locations can be found here.