2021/22 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

PHYS3281 Star and Planet Formation

15 creditsClass Size: 90

Module manager: Dr Catherine Walsh
Email: C.Walsh1@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: 1 Sep to 31 Jan (adv yr), Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable

Year running 2021/22

Module replaces

PHYS 3280 Star and Planet Formation

This module is not approved as a discovery module

Module summary

Stars and their surrounding planetary systems form from material within large, cold, and dense molecular clouds found throughout the interstellar medium. The study of the physical processes underpinning the formation of stars and planets is fundamental for understanding the origin of the mass distribution of stars in galaxies, the formation of our Solar System, and potential sources of the vast diversity of extra-solar planetary systems now known to be orbiting nearby stars in the Milky Way. This module will instruct on the physics governing i) the formation of stars, ii) the impact of young stars on their immediate environment, and iii) the birth and evolution of (exo)planetary systems. Also covered will be current knowledge based on observations across multiple wavelengths from state-of-the-art telescopes.

Objectives

By the end of this module students should be able to:

- describe the sites of star formation;
- explain the physical processes occurring during the collapse of a gas cloud to form a star;
- recognise and describe the observational evidence for discs, jets, and outflows from young stars;
- elucidate the routes to planet formation from circumstellar discs;
- appraise the limits of current knowledge in this field.

Learning outcomes
Make effective use of physics skills and knowledge to applications in Astrophysics.

Skills outcomes
The ability to solve physical problems using mathematics.

Syllabus

I. Sites of Star Formation: the interstellar medium, molecular clouds, interstellar dust.
II. Gravitational Collapse: cloud equilibrium and stability, the collapse of dense cloud cores, fragmentation, protostars, accretion discs.
III. Feedback: jets, molecular outflows, HII regions, triggered star formation.
IV. Planet Formation: protoplanetary discs, disc evolution, the formation of the Solar System, models of planet formation, exoplanets.

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Workshop	3	1.00	3.00
Discussion forum	3	1.00	3.00
Lecture	27	1.00	27.00
Private study hours			117.00
Total Contact hours			33.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			150.00

Private study

- reading
- practice problems
- practice derivations
- workshop preparation
- discussion class preparation

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Unseen exam

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Assignment	Assignments	30.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		30.00

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Exams

Exam type	Exam duration	% of formal assessment
Online Time-Limited assessment	2 hr 00 mins	70.00
Total percentage (Assessment Exams)		70.00

Students will have to complete an online assessment at the end of the module. This will take place during the examinations period at the end of the semester and will be time bound. Students must submit a reasonable attempt at all assessments for this module to pass this module.

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 12/07/2021 13:47:39

Disclaimer

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