FYSS3440 Nuclear Astrophysics (6 cr)

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Study level:

Advanced studies

Grading scale:

0-5

Language:

English

Responsible organisation:

Department of Physics

Curriculum periods:

2017-2018, 2018-2019, 2019-2020

Description

Content

Basic concepts in nuclear astrophysics; selected astrophysical aspects: stellar evolution, novae, core-collapse supernovae, type I x-ray bursts, neutron-star mergers, solar system abundances; nuclear reactions and in particular thermonuclear reactions; primordial nucleosynthesis; hydrostatic hydrogen burning in stars: pp chains and CNO cycles; explosive hydrogen burning in stars: rp process; helium burning in stars: production of carbon and oxygen in stars; carbon, neon, oxygen and silicon burning in stars; nucleosynthesis beyond the iron peak: s-, r- and p-processes; examples of nuclear astrophysics experiments

Completion methods

Assignments, examination

Assessment details

The final grade is based on examination and assignments. At least half of the maximum points is needed to pass the course.

Learning outcomes

At the end of this course, students will be able to explain, where and how elements have been formed in the universe. Students will be able to explain which factors have an effect on thermonuclear reaction rates and classify and list thermonuclear reactions as well as calculate reaction rates for basic thermonuclear reactions in stars. They will also be able to give examples of nuclear astrophysics experiments and research.

Additional information

Spring semester 2nd period, every two years starting spring 2018.

Description of prerequisites

Before enrolling to this course, students are expected to have a good understanding of the basic concepts in Nuclear Physics: nuclear mass and binding energy, mass excess; nuclear liquid drop model and shell model; radioactive decay law; beta and gamma decay and transition probabilities; cross section; fusion reactions and fission

Literature

Christian Iliadis: Nuclear Physics of Stars. Wiley-VCH. ISBN: 978-3-527-40602-9; ISBN: 978-3-527-40602-9

Completion methods

Method 1

Select all marked parts

Parts of the completion methods

Unpublished assessment item