Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
Interpret stellar observations using the Hertzsprung-Russell diagram to understand the structure and evolution of stars.
Explain how nuclear reactions within stars produce energy and synthesise the chemical elements that make up the Universe.
Describe the processes responsible for the origin and abundance of the chemical elements, from the Big Bang to successive generations of stars.
Analyse the different stages of stellar evolution and the mechanisms leading to the formation of compact objects (white dwarfs, neutron stars, and black holes).
Establish links between the fundamental concepts of nuclear physics and astrophysical phenomena, including modern applications of nuclear technologies in space exploration.
This course builds strongly on the concepts of nuclear physics acquired in the third-year undergraduate course SPHYB305. It differs from a traditional observational astronomy course by focusing on nuclear astrophysics and stellar physics.
Central question: Where do the atoms that make up our planet, our bodies, and all observable matter come from? Through the study of stars and the nuclear reactions taking place within them, this course traces the cosmic origin of the chemical elements and explores the evolution of stars through to their ultimate fates.
Guiding thread: the Hertzsprung-Russell (HR) diagram, a fundamental tool in astrophysics, which will serve as a framework for exploring stellar structure and evolution, nucleosynthesis processes, the various stages of stellar life cycles, and the compact objects they leave behind, culminating in modern applications of nuclear technologies in space exploration.
The exercise sessions (TD) will provide an opportunity to apply these theoretical concepts in practice through quantitative calculations of physical orders of magnitude (Viriel’s theorem, core temperature, reaction rates, energy balances related to space missions, etc.).
The outline below illustrates the overall progression of the course. The order or distribution of some topics may be adjusted during the semester.
Introduction: From the Atom to the Star
Stellar Observations, Classification, and the Hertzsprung-Russell Diagram
Physical Equilibria and Internal Stellar Structure
Nucleosynthesis I: Hydrogen and Helium Fusion
Nucleosynthesis II: Late Stages of Stellar Evolution and Primordial (Big Bang) Nucleosynthesis
Space Applications of Nuclear Technologies
The tutorial sessions are closely integrated with the lectures to support the progressive acquisition and application of key concepts. Sessions combine guided problem-solving, independent exercises, and interactive discussions. Particular emphasis is placed on the physical interpretation of results and on connecting concepts from nuclear physics with their applications in astrophysics.
The course is built around a close integration of lectures and problem-solving sessions, enabling students to progressively assimilate key concepts and apply them immediately.
Lectures: introduction to the fundamental concepts of nuclear astrophysics and stellar physics through visual learning materials (slides, illustrations, and astrophysical data). The course draws on internationally recognised textbooks.
Tutorials / Problem-solving sessions: each lecture is paired with a tutorial session in which students apply the concepts covered in class, develop their physical reasoning skills, and strengthen their mastery of the quantitative tools used in astrophysics.
Student learning outcomes are assessed through a written examination held during the examination period.
The assessment covers both:
understanding of the fundamental concepts, physical models, and mechanisms presented in the course;
mastery of quantitative tools and problem-solving skills through exercises and case studies similar to those addressed during the tutorial sessions.
Séguin, B. & Villeneuve, M. — Astronomy and Astrophysics (Éditions du Renouveau Pédagogique). An introductory textbook providing a visual and intuitive presentation of key astrophysical concepts.
Choudhuri, A. K. — Astrophysics for Physicists (Cambridge University Press). The primary reference for the rigorous physical and mathematical treatment of astrophysical processes.
IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency) — Technical reports and reference documents on space nuclear technologies. A key resource for the applications of nuclear science and engineering in space exploration.
| Training | Study programme | Block | Credits | Mandatory |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Master in Physics | Finalité spécialisée en physique du vivant | 1 | 3 | No |
| Master in Physics | Finalité approfondie | 1 | 3 | No |
| Master in Physics | Standard | 1 | 3 | No |
| Master in Physics | Finalité didactique | 1 | 3 | No |
| Master in Physics | Finalité spécialisée en physique et data | 1 | 3 | No |
| Master in Physics | Finalité spécialisée en physique du vivant | 2 | 3 | No |
| Master in Physics | Finalité approfondie | 2 | 3 | No |
| Master in Physics | Finalité didactique | 2 | 3 | No |
| Master in Physics | Finalité spécialisée en physique et data | 2 | 3 | No |