Structure and Evolution of Stars

6 EC

Semester 2, period 4

5214STES6Y

Owner Master Physics and Astronomy (joint degree)
Coordinator dr. S.G.M. Toonen
Part of Master Physics and Astronomy, track GRAPPA, Master Physics and Astronomy, track Astronomy and Astrophysics, Master Physics and Astronomy (joint degree), track General Physics and Astronomy,

Course manual 2025/2026

Course content

These lectures give an overview of the basic physical processes that occur inside stars: the sources of pressure (gas/radiation/degeneracy pressures), energy transport (radiation/convection), and nuclear processes.  This understanding is combined with the equations of stellar structure and evolution and used to understand the life of stars: from star formation in interstellar clouds all the way to the terminal phases of stellar evolution (white dwarfs, neutron stars and black holes).  We will solve simple models analytically and numerically, and apply this knowledge to interpreting and understanding the observed properties of stars using tools such as the Hertzsprung-Russell diagram.  We also study binary evolution and the effects of mass transfer (mass loss and accretion) on the stars in those binaries. 

Study materials

Literature

  • An introduction to the evolution of single and binary stars by Matthew Benacquista. (freely available through the library) 

Syllabus

  • Onno Pols' lecture notes on Stellar Evolution (Link with PDF on Canvas)

Other

  • Assignments and additional notes on Blackboard.

Objectives

  • Predict the formation and evolution of a star throughout its various stellar phases from first principle.
  • Assess the physics behind the stellar structure equations.
  • Computationally model stellar structure and evolution by solving the stellar structure equations applied to different cases with the stellar evolution code MESA.
  • Examine the orbital and stellar evolutionary effects of binary interactions.
  • Formulate the structure and evolution of stars e.g. in a scientific report or in a discussion.

Teaching methods

  • Lecture
  • Working independently on e.g. a project or thesis
  • Self-study
  • Computer lab session/practical training
  • Seminar

The lectures provide an overview of the relevant topics and point out key difficult points. In addition, the student is expected to study the extended and comprehensive lecture notes by self-study. During the tutorials, we practise the material previously discussed in the lecture. Lastly, the course includes an assessed practical computer assignment using that is performed in a small group. An introduction to the code is provided for in a dedicated tutorial. 

 

 

Learning activities

Activity

Number of hours

Zelfstudie

168

Attendance

  • Some course components require compulsory attendance. If compulsory attendance applies, this will be indicated in the Course Catalogue which can be consulted via the UvA-website. The rationale for and implementation of this compulsory attendance may vary per course and, if applicable, is included in the Course Manual.

    • Assessment

    Item and weight Details

    Final grade

    1 (100%)

    Tentamen

    No resit on the computer assignment

    Inspection of assessed work

    Contact the course coordinator to make an appointment for inspection.

    Assignments

    Tutorial exercises

    • non-assessed exercises 

    MESA assignment

    • Assessed computer assignment with the stellar evolution code MESA.  

    Fraud and plagiarism

    The 'Regulations governing fraud and plagiarism for UvA students' applies to this course. This will be monitored carefully. Upon suspicion of fraud or plagiarism the Examinations Board of the programme will be informed. For the 'Regulations governing fraud and plagiarism for UvA students' see: www.student.uva.nl

    Course structure

    Week Topic Pols Benacquista MESA
    1 Intro, hydrostatic equilibrium, virial theorem Ch. 1, 2.1-2.3 (Ch. 3,4) Start installation
    2 Equation of state, opacity, radiative transport Ch. 3, 5.3 (Ch. 5,6)  
    3 Energy transport, timescales , mesa workshop Ch. 2.4, 4, 5.5, 7 (Ch. 8,9) Mesa workshop in tutorial lecture
    4 Nuclear burning, star formation, evolution in the HR Ch. 6,8,9,10 (Ch. 7,10) Mesa assignment
    5 Post-ms evolution, massive stars Ch. 11, 12 (-)  
    6 Binary evolution   Ch. 2, 13 Deadline MESA assignment
    7 Binary evolution, q&a lecture    Ch 13   
    8 Exam      

    Contact information

    Coordinator

    • dr. S.G.M. Toonen