Stellar Structure and Evolution

Instance: 2021/2022 - 1S

Cycles of Study/Courses

Last updated on 2021-10-09.

Fields changed: Teaching methods and learning activities, Fórmula de cálculo da classificação final, Componentes de Avaliação e Ocupação, Melhoria de classificação, Obtenção de frequência, Provas e trabalhos especiais

Teaching language

Objectives

The main objective is to learn the fundamental principles that establish the internal structure and evolution of stars. To do so it is required to study in detail what are stars, their most important features and how stars work. A detailed formulation of the problem is covered by defining the equations of stellar structure and the physical relations, together with a careful identification of the relevant boundary conditions that determine the solution that represents the observations. Thus the student learns how to apply the physical principles to interpret the different phases of a star’s life, using the observations to validate the model. Some topics of active research are addressed in order to consolidate the concepts and techniques being discussed, allowing the student to learn with applications to specific/real cases.

Learning outcomes and competences

In order to acquire a solid understanding of the fundamental principles of stellar physics and how stellar models can be validated with the observations, the program is defined including the physics and mathematical principles required by stellar structure and evolution models. The program includes the concepts required to construct the model and the discussion on how this model can predict the expected observational behavior of stars, supporting the confrontation between models and astronomical observations in regimes not available in the laboratory. Thus, the contents include not only the theoretical formulation of the relevant fundamental concepts but also the detailed discussion of the observational information that is avaliable and how it can be interpreted using the models from the theoretical analysis.

Working method

Program

1. Observation of stars and clusters


2. Stellar structure equations


3. Physical relations relevant for the stellar interior


4. Description of the internal structure of a star and its evolution


5. Methods for study of solar/stellar interior


6. Ongoing research topics and open questions

Mandatory literature

Complementary Bibliography

Comments from the literature

Teaching methods and learning activities

Software

keywords

Evaluation Type

Assessment Components

Amount of time allocated to each course unit

Eligibility for exams

The student will not be able to complete the course if he/she does not participate in half of the lectures and does not submit the report. There will be an attendance log in all classes.

Calculation formula of final grade

The final rating has the following components:

1. 12 points - the final written exam with consultation (minimum grade is required in this component of one third)
2. 4 points - content of the report
3. 3 points - presentation and discussion of the report
4. 1 point - active participation in classes, to be evaluated by submitting questions, solutions for problems to be proposed, discussion of the individual work and its progress, discussion of research articles, etc.

The student may request an additional assessment as allowed by the Evaluation Regulation of FCUP.

Examinations or Special Assignments

The report must be delivered in the form of article for Astronomy and Astrophysics and must follow the rules laid down for a scientific article. The final version can not be longer than 4 pages.

The evaluation marks are associated with the structure, clarity and depth of approach to the subject, the quality of the text produced (abstract, introduction, conclusion and references) as well as the relevance of the figures and tables included.

There is also a component of the evaluation for a short presentation and discussion of the report.

Classification improvement

The student may only improve the written exam.