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  Prospectuses 2011-2012
Radboud universityProspectusesFaculty of Science > Bachelor Natuur- en Sterrenkunde

Nuclear Evolution of the Universe 

Course ID
NWI-NB066B
Credits
3
Scheduled
fourth quarter
Teaching methods
  • 10 hrs computer course
  • 16 hrs lecture
  • 16 hrs problem session
Pre-requisites
  • Stellar evolution
  • Introduction in elementary particle physics
Objectives
  • The student understands the physics of the early Universe under which the lightest elements were made
  • Understanding the physics of s-process elements on the AGB branch and the process of mixing
  • Understanding the observational techniques by which we measure astronomical abundances
  • Understanding of the physics of supernovae and the synthesis of r-process elements

Contents
'We are all made of stardust': all elements (except hydrogen and helium) in the human body were once synthesized in the centers of stars or supernovae. In the course we will investigate the physics of and circumstances under which the elements were formed in the Universe. Topics that will be treated are: - Nucleosynthesis in the Big Bang: the 'first three minutes' - Nucleosynthesis in supernovae: Type I & Type II - Chemical yields on the Asymptotic Giant Branch - Astrochemistry in the interstellar medium - Chemical composition of the cosmic web.
Subjects
  • Nucleosynthesis in the Big Bang: the 'first three minutes'
  • Nucleosynthesis in supernovae: Type I & Type II
  • Chemical yields on the Asymptotic Giant Branch
  • Astrochemistry in the interstellar medium
  • Chemical composition of the cosmic web.
  • Examination
    Schriftelijk
    Literature
    Bernard E.J. Pagel, Nucleosynthesis and chemical evolution of galaxies, 2nd Edition, 2009, Cambridge University Press, Hardback, ISBN-13: 9780521840309  (ca 45 Pond)