Syllabus academic year 2008/2009
(Created 2008-07-17.)
ASTROPHYSICSFMF111

Higher education credits: 6. Grading scale: TH. Level: G2 (First level). Language of instruction: The course might be given in English. Optional for: F4. Course coordinator: Ragnar Bengtsson, ragnar.bengtsson@matfys.lth.se och Sven Åberg, sven.aberg@matfys.lth.se, Fysik, kurslaboratoriet. Recommended prerequisits: Basic quantum mechanics and nuclear physics corresponding to FAF270 Atomic and Nuclear Physics with Applications. Assessment: Written examination. Further information: The course is given every second year (spring semester of 2008, 2010 etc.) in collaboration with Lund Observatory. Home page: http://www.matfys.lth.se/astrofysik.html.

Aim
To give the student a good understanding of the processes that occured at "The Big Bang", that take place in the interior of starsy and in connection with supernova explosions. Focus is put on the connection between these processes and the creation abundance of the elements present in the universe today.

Knowledge and understanding
For a passing grade the student must

Skills and abilities
For a passing grade the student must

Judgement and approach
For a passing grade the student must

be able to independently form an oppinion about the value and relevance of scientific information within the field covered by the course.

Contents
Basic concepts in astronomy, particle and nuclear physics. The early stages of the universe (the Big Bang, inflation in the early universe, the formation of galaxies and stars). The formation of light elements. Thermonuclear processes. The development of stars. Burning processes in normal stars. The formation of heavy elements. The r- s- and rp-processes. Supernova explosions.

Literature
Material distributed in connection with the lectures.