AST-4217/PHY-5904:  "PHYSICS OF STARS" (Spring 2010)


Stars play an unique role in astronomy. They are the places where most of the elements are formed and which light up the universe. They provide a unique laboratory for all areas of physics including classical, statistical and quantum-mechanics and are a show-case for modern astrophysics. The “Physics of Stars” deals with the birth, evolution, and death of stars, and we will learn "how stars work".


Instructor: Peter Hoeflich
Time: 1:15-2:30pm on Monday and Friday @ HCB 208
Office Hours: Tuesdays 1:00-2:30pm, or drop by at any time I'm in

Office: 614 Keen (644-5567)
E-mail: pah@astro.physics.fsu.edu



Course Outline:

Basic Equations: Hydrostatics, Energetics, time scales, energy transport

The overall problem: Differential equations and boundary conditions

Properties of Stellar Matter: Equation of State, opacities and nuclear reactions

Simple stellar models: Polytropes, main sequence stars

Early Stellar Evolution: From proto-stars to stars

Post-Main-Sequence evolution of low mass stars

Post-Main-Sequence evolution of massive stars

Stellar Explosions: Core-collapse and thermonuclear Explosions, Gamma-ray bursts

Final stages of stellar evolution: white dwarfs, neutron stars & black holes



Textbook: Stellar Structure and Evolution, R. Kippenhahn & A. Weigert



Credits & Prerequisites:

Credit:  3 semester hours.

Pre-requisites:   PHY-3221 - Intermediate Mechanics

Co-requisites:   PHY-4604 - Quantum Theory of Matter A (recommended)

(Please contact the instructor if you do not meet the prerequisites)


Evaluation of Performance:
The course grade will be based on homework assignments, one midterm, and a final exam. There will be weekly homework sets. All problems must be solved and the assignment must be turned in one week later.


Assessment:

Homework (35%), Midterm (25%), Final (40 %)


Remark:

This course is part of the regular astrophysics curriculum and, currently, on a 3 year cycle including Nuclear Astrophysics, Stellar Physics and Radiation Transport, Stellar Atmospheres & ISM.

Indroduction to Astrophysics, Observational Technics, and Cosmology are offered yearly.

The Astro-Seminar is offered every semester.



Academic Honor Code:
Students are expected to uphold the Academic Honor Code published in he Florida State University Bulletin and the Student Handbook. The first paragraph reads: The Academic Honor System of Florida State University is based on the premise that each student has the responsibility (1) to uphold the highest standards of academic integrity in the student's own work, (2) to refuse to tolerate violations of academic integrity in the University community, and (3) to foster a high sense of integrity and social responsibility on the part of the University community.


ADA Statement:
Students with disabilities needing academic accommodations should: a) register with and provide documentation to the Student Disability Resource Center SDRC; b) bring a letter to the instructor from SDRC indicating that you need academic accommodations. Please do this  during the first week of class.