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PHY-20002 - Module Specification
School of Chemical and Physical Sciences
Faculty of Natural Sciences

For academic year: 2023/24 Last Updated: 13 February 2024

PHY-20002 - Stellar Astrophysics
Coordinator: Coel Hellier Room: LJ2.04 Tel: +44 1782 7 34243
Lecture Time: See Timetable...
Level: Level 5
Credits: 15
Study Hours: 150
School Office: 01782 734921

Programme/Approved Electives for 2023/24

None

Available as a Free Standing Elective

No

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

Registration on the second year of a physics/astrophysics degree programme.

Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2023/24

The module covers the basics of nuclear and particle physics, and then discusses how nuclear burning affects the structure and evolution of a star. It then proceeds to discuss the end-points of stellar evolution, and the origin of the elements that make up our solar system.
There is also a laboratory component aimed at enhancing experimental and communication skills. The laboratory sessions focus on a variety techniques to analyse and interpret real astronomical data.

Aims
This module provides an understanding of nuclear and particle physics particularly as it relates to processes occurring in stars, how this drives the evolution of stars, and hence how the elements are created and distributed. You will acquire skills in handling large bodies of complex (astronomical) data, analyse their statistical properties, and use them to advance our scientific knowledge.

Talis Aspire Reading List
Any reading lists will be provided by the start of the course.
http://lists.lib.keele.ac.uk/modules/phy-20002/lists

Intended Learning Outcomes

Demonstrate comprehension, grasp and appreciation of physics related to stellar astrophysics: 1,2,3,4
Solve problems related to stellar astrophysics: 1,2,3,4

Study hours

24 hours of lectures
12 hours problem classes
18 hours laboratory work
24 hours laboratory reports and problem sheets
72 hours examination revision and private study

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment

1: Unseen Exam weighted 60%
2 hour unseen exam, choice of 4 from 6 questions
Exam

2: Tutorial weighted 10%
Assessment based on weekly attendance and engagement
Completing assigned problems on Stellar Astrophysics in three two-hour problem classes, with assistance given as necessary.

3: Problem Sheets weighted 10%
Four problem sheets
Four problem sheets

4: Report weighted 20%
Two laboratory reports
Laboratory report

Please note that for the 2022/23 Academic Year programmes may be adapted to operate in accordance with a flexible, digital approach. This means that there may be some changes made to how modules are delivered and assessed. The latest information will be provided to you by your School in module handbooks. We endeavour to give you as much notice as possible of any changes and details about the circumstance in which changes are made to programmes can be found in the Student Agreement, available at: https://www.keele.ac.uk/student-terms-and-conditions/

Last Updated: 13 February 2024