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Stellar Structure And Evolution

Key information

  • Module code:

    5CCP9400

  • Level:

    5

  • Semester:

      Autumn

  • Credit value:

    15

Module description

Learning aims & outcomes

Students will gain a thorough grounding in the life cycle of stars.

Students should be able to:

  1. Describe the stages of nucleosynthesis in stars.
  2. Calculate the equations of hydrostatic equilibrium.
  3. Use the equations of energy transport to calculate basic properties of stars.
  4. Describe in detail the evolutionary stages different classes of stars are thought to go through.
  5. Describe in detail the end stages of the life cycle of a star and the different types of stellar remnants.

Syllabus

An indicative list of topics covered by this module, but which may change slightly from year to year, is given by:

Hydrostatic equilibrium and stellar evolution, the Piston Model, nucleosynthesis, ideal gas spheres, the formation of stars (free fall collapse), stellar timescales, simple energy transport equations, stellar stability, evolution of low mass / high mass stars, final states of stars.

Assessment details

Details of the module's assessment/s

Type Weighting Marking model
Written two hour exam (January) 70% Model 2. Double Marking
Quizzes 15%  
Project 15%  

 

Please note: - module assessment may be subject to change. If you have any questions, please contact ug-physics@kcl.ac.uk

Students studying at King's for Semester 1 only (September-December) will be set alternative assessment in lieu of in-person exams in January / May as necessary. Further information will be provided by the Department. 

Teaching pattern

Two lectures per week (Approx total 4 hours per week)

Subject areas

Department

Module description disclaimer

King’s College London reviews the modules offered on a regular basis to provide up-to-date, innovative and relevant programmes of study. Therefore, modules offered may change. We suggest you keep an eye on the course finder on our website for updates.

Please note that modules with a practical component will be capped due to educational requirements, which may mean that we cannot guarantee a place to all students who elect to study this module.

Please note that the module descriptions above are related to the current academic year and are subject to change.