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Research School of Astronomy and Astrophysics · ANU College of Science and Medicine
This course is offered in Semester 1 every odd year (eg 2025, 2027) This course covers the physics of diffuse matter in the universe, and the processes by which that diffuse matter collapses to produce new stars. The first part of the course surveys the physical processes that govern diffuse matter, with particular emphasis on the non-equilibrium thermodynamics and statistical mechanics of low-density matter, the mechanisms by which such matter radiates, and the interpretation of observed radation from diffuse material. The second part covers the major phases of diffuse matter in the Universe and their properties. The final part covers the circumstances under which diffuse matter can collapse to form new stars, the dynamics of such collapses, and the relationship between collapse and the properties of the resulting stellar population.
6 problem sets
Learning outcomes 1, 2, 4
Oral presentation
Learning outcomes 1, 3
Final exam
Learning outcomes 1, 2, 3
The expected workload will consist of approximately 130 hours throughout the session including: - Face-to face component which may consist of 4 hours of lectures and tutorials per week. - Approximately 82 hours of self-directed study which will include preparation for lectures, presentations and other assessment tasks.
Physics of the Interstellar and Intergalactic Medium, B. Draine, Princeton University Press Star Formation, M. Krumholz, World Scientific Publishing