Stellar Astrophysics

The first part of this module is concerned with our understanding of the births, lives and deaths of stars.
The starting point is the observational study and classification of stars, arriving at the Hertzsprung-Russell
and Mass-Luminosity diagrams. The physics of stars, including the mechanisms by which stars support themselves
against gravitational collapse, and how they derive power from nuclear processes and generate elements heavier
than Helium, is then examined. The conditions necessary for stars to form are derived and a considerable
section of the course is reserved for the compact object end-points of stellar evolution - White Dwarfs,
Neutron Stars and Pulsars. The final section of the course is dedicated to astronomical instrumentation
where the design of telescopes used in astronomy to detect electromagnetic radiation from radio waves to
gamma rays is explored. The module draws on ideas and laws from many different areas of physics and so a
reasonable background in physics is expected for students to undertake this course. The module involves
a significant number of in-class problem solving sessions.