The Stars and the Galaxy

Basic course in astronomy, offered as a stand-alone course at the University of Gothenburg.

The course provides an introduction to stars and how they make up our galaxy, the Milky Way, with an emphasis on providing a basic understanding of stellar physics and how to measure the properties of stars.

The course covers:

• The Sun
• Star atmospheres and the internal structure of stars
• Fusion processes and the formation of elements
• Electromagnetic radiation, black body radiation and spectroscopy
• Magnitudes and coordinate systems
• Distance measurements, the Doppler effect and the properties of stars
• Double stars, classification of stars and brown dwarfs
• Star formation and evolution, pulsating stars
• Star death and remnants (white dwarfs, neutron stars and black holes)
• The interstellar medium, star clusters and the structure of the Milky Way

After completing the course The Stars and the Galaxy, participants are expected to:

• have a basic knowledge of the physical processes of stars,
• be able to explain the differences between different types of stars, their structure and stages of development,
• have an understanding of how stars can be studied through observation and be able to perform simple calculations.

Lectures.

The course concludes with a written examination, which forms the basis for the grade.

The grading scale comprises the grades Fail (U), Pass (G) and Pass with distinction (VG).

Takes place in collaboration between the teacher and the students during and after the course.