| Univ. Bremen Prof. M. Scharringhausen | Stellar Astrophysics (S2, elective, 6 ECTS) |
| Learning Outcomes: | Participants are able to understand the basic principles of star formation, heliophysics, white dwarfs, neutron stars and black holes. |
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| Applying Knowledge and Understanding: | |
| Prerequisites | Basic courses in Physics on mechanics, gas kinetics and thermodynamics. |
| Program | The course will introduce the basic physical principles of stars, their formation, their evolution and their final states (white dwarfs, neutron stars, black holes). All considerations are done using classical physics, relativistic aspects are included whenever necessary. Basically, star formation and heliophysics can be derived from basic principles of ideal gas kinetics and elementary thermodynamics. A number of fundamental aspects are considered, this includes (i) conversion of energy, nuclear fusion, (ii) transport of energy from the fusion zone to outer regions of the star by conduction, radiation and convection, (iii) elementary structure relations, i.e. relations between luminosity, mass, radius and temperature. Formation and evolution of stars depending on their mass is discussed, this includes (i) formation of stars from molecular clouds, (ii) life time of stars, Hertzsprung-Russell diagram, (iii) final evolution and final state of stars, supernovae, Helium flash, red giants, white dwarfs, neutron stars and black holes. |
| Description of how the course is conducted | |
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| Adopted Textbooks | A list of references will be provided at the start of the semester. |
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