- Docente: Cristina Pallanca
- Credits: 6
- SSD: FIS/05
- Language: English
- Teaching Mode: Traditional lectures
- Campus: Bologna
- Corso: Second cycle degree programme (LM) in Physics (cod. 9245)
Learning outcomes
The aim of this course is to obtain a general understanding of physical properties of stars and galaxies. At the end of the lectures the student will know the equations that regulate the internal structure of the stars, the sources of energy production, the structure of stellar atmosphere and the formation theory of the spectral lines. The student will acquire a general knowledge of morphological, structural and dynamical properties of stellar systems (stellar clusters, galaxies, ...). Hence, he/she will acquire the necessary bases to understand the structural and evolutionary properties of stars and galaxies.
Course contents
Structure of stars. Equations of stellar interiors. The physical state of stellar matter. Thermonuclear reactions. Energy transport. The opacity in the stellar interiors. The Schwarzshild criterium. Stellar atmospheres. Basic stellar evolution. Observational and kinematical properties of stellar systems, from galactic to cluster scales. Introduction to observational Cosmology.
Readings/Bibliography
Lecture notes
An Introduction to modern Astrophysics - Carroll & Ostlie
Evolution of Stars and stellar populations - Salaris & Cassisi
Astrofisica stellare - Cester
Astrophysics I. stars - Bowers & Deeming
Galactic Astronomy - Binney
Introduction to Cosmology - Ryden
Teaching methods
Lectures are presented by using power-point presentations.
Assessment methods
The oral examination includes a series of general questions about the physical phenomena occurring in the stellar structure and in the stellar systems.
Teaching tools
A pdf file with all the slides shown during lectures will be available at the student web page.
Office hours
See the website of Cristina Pallanca