Stars and Planetary Systems module (PH41008)

There are more stars in the universe than grains of sand on Earth, and astronomers are constantly discovering new planets orbiting them. Thousands of these exoplanets are already known, revealing a universe rich with planetary systems beyond our own. In this module, you will explore how stars and planets form, evolve, and interact, and how physics allows us to understand these distant worlds.

You will investigate the physics that powers stars, from the nuclear reactions in their cores to the structure of their atmospheres. By understanding how light and radiation interact with matter, you will learn how astronomers use observations to uncover the properties of stars and planetary systems across vast distances.

You will discover how planetary systems form from discs of gas and dust, and how they evolve over time. You will study the processes that lead to the formation of rocky planets like Earth and gas giants like Jupiter, as well as the dynamics that shape their orbits. Along the way, you will see how the fundamental physics you have learned can be applied to understand some of the most fascinating objects in the universe.

This module brings together ideas from across physics to explain how stars and planets form, evolve, and shape the universe around us.

What you will learn

In this module, you will:

• explore the structure and atmospheres of stars
• investigate nuclear processes that power stellar interiors
• study stellar evolution and the life cycles of stars
• learn how astronomers use photometry and spectroscopy to determine stellar properties
• explore how heavy elements are formed through stellar evolution
• investigate protoplanetary discs and the early stages of planet formation
• study how planetary systems form and evolve over time
• explore the formation of rocky and gaseous planets

By the end of this module, you will be able to:

• apply fundamental physics to understand astrophysical systems
• describe the structure and evolution of stars
• explain how stars produce energy through nuclear processes
• describe current theories of planetary system formation
• understand the dynamical evolution of planetary systems

Assignments / assessment

• coursework (20%)
• final written exam (80%)

Teaching methods / timetable

You will learn through lectures and interactive problem-solving workshops.