AST2100 ¨C The Physics of Stars, White Dwarfs, Neutron Stars and Black Holes

Course content

In this course, you will learn about how stars are born, evolve and die, and about the objects they leave behind: white dwarfs, neutron stars, and black holes.

By studying these topics, you will also learn methods and techniques with broad applicability in astrophysics.

Learning outcome

After completing this course, you will be able to:

• explain the physical principles that govern the different stages in the life of a star.

• use these physical principles to set up models and solve them.

• describe the different end points of stellar evolution.

• use methods and techniques with broad applicability in astrophysics.

Admission to the course

Students who are admitted to study programmes at UiO must each semester register which courses and exams they wish to sign up for in Studentweb.

If you are not already enrolled as a student at UiO, please see our information about admission requirements and procedures.

The course has a max capacity of 50 students. Based on experience, there is generally room for everyone who applies for admission to the course within the deadline.

Special admission requirements

In addition to fulfilling the?Higher Education Entrance Qualification, applicants have to meet the following special admission requirements:

• Mathematics R1 (or Mathematics S1 and S2) + R2

And in addition one of these:

• Physics (1+2)
• Chemistry (1+2)
• Biology (1+2)
• Information technology (1+2)
• Geosciences (1+2)
• Technology and theories of research (1+2)

The special admission requirements may also be covered by?equivalent studies from Norwegian upper secondary school or by other equivalent studies?(in Norwegian).

Recommended previous knowledge

Three semesters of Physics and astronomy (bachelor)?or comparable.

It is highly recommended to have had AST2000 ¨C Introduction to Astrophysics or equivalent beforehand.

It will require considerable extra effort to complete the course without the necessary prerequisites in mathematics, physics and programming.

Teaching

Teaching extends over one semester. There are 4 hours of ?lectures and 2 hours of group sessions per week.

Examination

The final grade is determined by an overall assessment of 3 assignments in the form of?home exams, each counting 1/3 in the grade assessment.?The home exams are not valid for the following semesters.

When writing your exercises?make sure to familiarize yourself with the?rules for use of sources and citations. Breach of these rules may lead to suspicion of?attempted cheating.

Examination support material

All examination support material is allowed except artificial intelligence (AI).

Language of examination

You may write your examination paper in Norwegian, Swedish, Danish or English.

Grading scale

Grades are awarded on a scale from A to F, where A is the best grade and F is a fail. Read more about?the grading system.

Resit an examination

Students who can document a valid reason for absence from the regular examination are offered a postponed examination at the beginning of the next semester.

Re-scheduled examinations are not offered to students who withdraw during, or did not pass, the original examination.

More about examinations at UiO

• Use of sources and citations
• Special exam arrangements due to individual needs
• Withdrawal from an exam
• Illness at exams / postponed exams
• Explanation of grades and appeals
• Resitting an exam
• Cheating/attempted cheating

You will find further guides and resources at the web page on examinations at UiO.