NFYK13017U The Interstellar Medium and Formation of Stars
MSc Programme in Physics
The physics of the interstellar medium plays an important role in some of the most active topics of current research – from the evolution of galaxies to the formation of stars and planets in our neighborhood. This course focuses on the link between the interstellar medium and formation of stars and planets. Particular emphasis will be put on the importance of the tools for studying these processes – theoretically / computationally as well as observationally.
Knowledge
The course follows the progression of the interstellar medium from
the largest scales to planet forming regions. The first part of the
course deals with the physics of the diffuse interstellar medium,
and why it is so complex. An important issue is to understand the
arguments for the existence of various phases with different
densities. The second part is on aspects of the star formation
itself and why the formation of Solar-type stars is interesting.
The physical concepts will be demonstrated by selected exercises on
star formation in nearby star forming molecular clouds: how is the
collapse, taking place, how are protostars identified, how may
their properties be derived?
Skills
Present insight into the physics behind the temperature and density
distributions of the different phases of the interstellar medium.
Account for the key physical phenomenon such as shocks and PDRs as
well as describe the underlying physical mechanisms dictating the
structure and evolution of dense clouds. Demonstrate knowledge
about the physics behind of the collapse of dense cores – including
the importance and effects of thermal support, rotation, magnetic
fields and turbulence. Describe the overall evolution of young
stars including time-scales and key events such as the launching of
jets and outflows and formation and evolution of protoplanetary
disks. Account for the overall hypotheses regarding the processes
leading to the formation of planets. For all of the above: show
insight into the constraints obtainable from detailed observations
as well as large numerical simulations.
Competences
This course will provide the students with a competent background
for further studies within this research field, e.g. an M.Sc.
project
Will be announced later in Absalon
Academic qualifications equivalent to a BSc degree is recommended.
- Category
- Hours
- Lectures
- 42
- Preparation
- 142,5
- Exercises
- 21
- Exam
- 0,5
- Total
- 206,0
- Credit
- 7,5 ECTS
- Type of assessment
- Oral examination, 25 minutes (no preparation)
- Aid
- Without aids
- Marking scale
- 7-point grading scale
- Censorship form
- No external censorship
Several internal examiners
- Re-exam
Same as ordinary exam
Criteria for exam assesment
See Learning outcome
Course information
- Language
- English
- Course code
- NFYK13017U
- Credit
- 7,5 ECTS
- Level
- Full Degree Master
- Duration
- 1 block
- Placement
- Block 4
- Schedule
- B
- Course capacity
- No limitation – unless you register in the late-registration period (BSc and MSc) or as a credit or single subject student.
Study board
- Study Board of Physics, Chemistry and Nanoscience
Contracting department
- The Niels Bohr Institute
Contracting faculty
- Faculty of Science
Course Coordinators
- Jes Kristian Jørgensen (jeskj@nbi.ku.dk)
Lecturers
Jes Jørgensen