11594 (v.2) Astrophysics 302

Area:

Department of Applied Physics

Credits:

12.5

Contact Hours:

2.0

Lecture:

2 x 1 Hours Weekly

Prerequisite(s):

8648 (v.3) Mathematical Methods 201 or any previous version

Syllabus:

Background astronomy, distance measurement, celestial coordinates, luminosity, magnitude scale, spectra and classification. Hertsprung-Russell diagram. Astronomical and Astrophysical Resources - print and electronic form and assessment of reliability of resources. Stellar structure. Stellar models. Hydrostatic equilibrium. Radiation and energy transport. Stellar evolution. Nuclear burning stages. Protostarts. Main sequence stars. Red Giants, white dwarfs, neutron stars and black holes. Chandrasekhar limiting mass. Nucleosynthesis. Suess Urey curve. Historical theories. B2FH model. H, He and C burning. s- and r- processes. Heavy and light element synthesis. Experimental evidence from isotope abundance in meteorites. Implications for cosmology.

Unit Outcomes:

On successful completion of this unit students will be able to interpret, analyse and synthesise fundamental astronomy and astrophysics concepts. They will have the skills to locate and evaluate astrophysics resources and references in printed and electronic form and their interest and understanding of physics will increase in the application of it to astronomical phenomena and processes.

Text and references listed above are for your information only and current as of September 30, 2003. Please check with the unit coordinator for up-to-date information.

Unit References:

No prescribed references.

Unit Texts:

Prialnik, D., 2000, 'An Introduction to the Theory of Stellar Structure and Evolution', Cambridge University Press, England.

Unit Assessment Breakdown:

Assignment 1 25%. Assignment 2 25%. Final Examination 50%.

Year	Location	Period	Internal	Area External	Central External
2004	Bentley Campus	Semester 1	Y