FYSS3440 Nuclear Astrophysics (6 cr)

Open the course unit brochure on Sisu
Study level:
Advanced studies
Grading scale:
0-5
Language:
English
Responsible organisation:
Department of Physics
Curriculum periods:
2020-2021, 2021-2022, 2022-2023, 2023-2024

Description

  • Abundances and observations

  • Stellar evolution, different types of stars

  • Nuclear reactions

  • Primordial nucleosynthesis: origin of hydrogen and helium

  • Hydrogen burning: pp chains and CNO cycles, energy production in the Sun

  • Helium burning: triple alpha process, origin of carbon and oxygen

  • Advanced burning stages: carbon, neon, oxygen and silicon burning, nuclear statistical equilibrium, core collapse supernovae

  • Origin of heavier elements: neutron capture processes s and r, other processes (i, p and rp)

  • Programme(s) to run nuclear reaction network codes and data libraries 

Learning outcomes

At the end of this course, students can:

  • explain where and how chemical elements have been formed in the Universe

  • classify stars based on their evolution and observations

  • know different reaction types and factors affecting the reaction rates in stars

  • name current reserach topics in nuclear astrophysics 

Description of prerequisites

  • FYSS3300 Nuclear Physics or equivalent

  • Basic understanding of nuclear mass and binding energy, mass excess; nuclear liquid drop model and shell model; radioactive decay; cross section; fusion and fission 

Study materials

Lecture material in Moodle

Literature

  • Christian Iliadis: Nuclear Physics of Stars. Wiley-VCH. ISBN: 978-3-527-40602-9; ISBN: 978-3-527-40602-9
  • Rolfs & Rodney: Cauldrons in the Cosmos

Completion methods

Method 1

Description:
Given on spring semester, 4th period, every two years starting spring 2022.
Evaluation criteria:
Lecture sessions (tests and group work): 20%, problem sets and project work: 30%, final exam, either oral or written: 50%.
Time of teaching:
Period 4
Select all marked parts

Method 2

Description:
This completion method is for students for whom the method 1 is not possible for specific reasons (e.g. language, distance learning, statement for special study arrangements). Contact the teacher before enrolling to the course via this completion method.
Evaluation criteria:
Tests and project work (20%), final exam (80%).
Select all marked parts
Parts of the completion methods
x

Teaching (6 cr)

Type:
Participation in teaching
Grading scale:
0-5
Evaluation criteria:
Lecture sessions (tests and group work): 20%, problem sets and project work: 30%, final exam, either oral or written: 50%.
Language:
English
Study methods:

  • Lecture sessions: test based on available lecture and other course material (given beforehand), pair/group work, and lecture part focusing on key points

  • Problem sets (6 problem sets)

  • Project work and presentation based on a selected topic

  • Final exam, either oral or written 

Teaching

x

Independent study (6 cr)

Type:
Independent study
Grading scale:
0-5
Evaluation criteria:
Tests and project work (20%), final exam (80%).
Language:
English
Study methods:
Tests based on the available lecture and other material, project work, final exam. 

Teaching