PSem: Stellar physics / Stellare Physik

BSc Pflichtseminar in Winter term 2022
University of Heidelberg
2 SWS

Wednesdays 09:15 AM - 11 AM
First meeting: October 19, 2022
Last meeting: February 15, 2023
Christmas break: 21.12.22 (Monday) - 08.01.23 (Sunday)

in person

Lecturers: Dr. Maria Bergemann, Philipp Eitner
Contact: bergemann at mpia de, eitner at mpia de

This is a mandatory seminar for BSc students with marks.
Credit points: 3 CP (Leistungspunkte)

The goal of this course is to provide a basic understanding of physical structure and evolution of stars, focussing on recent observations and theory. The discussions will include Sun-like stars, supernovae type Ia, core-collapse supernovae, asymptotic giant branch stars, and neutron star mergers. We will also address the problem of nuclear fusion and fission reactions that power the energetics of stars, and will discuss the processes that lead to synthesis of chemical elements in stellar interiors. Main observational techniques that are used to study stellar atmospheres, interiors, and stellar magnetism will be covered. Finally, we will position stars in the context of their role as hosts of exoplanets and evolution of stellar populations in the Milky Way galaxy.

We will not aim to cover comprehensively all aspects of this very broad field, but rather go through the most exciting research problems that occupy central roles in modern astronomy. In addition, we will aim to acquire the following competencies: (a) working with professional astronomical literature, (b) preparing presentations and giving talks, (c) learning to interact and debate on problems in modern science.

All students will give a talk (30 minutes + 15 minutes Question & Answer). In addition, the students shall provide a 2 page (strict limit, not more and not less) page handout for the talk.

The draft of the talk (slides) shall be provided to the lecturer a week in advance. The handout (BSc) must be provided to the lecturers 24 hours before the talk (Tuesday, by 9 am). The handouts will be circulated to all participants, for them in order to get familiar with the subject of the talk and to prepare questions. Attendance is mandatory and can be excused only in exceptional circumstances.

Note: the handout is a part of the presentation (Seminarvortrag, cf. Modulhandbuch) and in the grading the following will be taken into account:
- the talk and the slides (muendliche Praesentation)
- the handout (schriftliche Dokumentation)
- activity in discussion

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