This course covers the basics of star formation and the transition to planet formation. The course provides an initial survey of the physical processes that govern star-forming clouds, including magnetohydrodyanmic turbulence, gravitational instability, non-ideal MHD effects, and radiative transfer by molecules and dust grains. It then covers the star formation process starting at galactic scales and working down to the scales of individual stars and their disks, touching on topics including: star formation laws; molecular cloud formation, evolution, and disruption; collapse, fragmentation, and the origin of the initial mass function; protostellar disks and outflows; pre-main sequence stellar evolution; massive stars and feedback; and the dispersal of disks and the onset of planet formation.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- Understand and examine the physical processes — magnetohydrodynamics, gravity, radiation, and chemistry — that govern the process of star formation;
- Be able to describe and apply the observational phenomenology of, and observational techniques used to study star formation;
- Understand, be able to describe and critically examine the major theoretical models for star formation at scales from galaxies to single stars.
Indicative Assessment
- 5 problem sets (40) [LO 1,2,3]
- In-class presentation (30) [LO 1,2,3]
- Oral final exam (30) [LO 1,2,3]
The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.
Workload
The expected workload will consist of approximately 130 hours throughout the semester including:
- Face-to face component which may consist of 4 hours of lectures and tutorialsl per week
- Approximately 82 hours of self-study which will include preparation for lectures, presentations and other assessment tasks (average 6 hours per week on assignments).
Inherent Requirements
To be determined
Requisite and Incompatibility
You will need to contact the Research School of Astronomy and Astrophysics to request a permission code to enrol in this course.
Prescribed Texts
Notes on Star Formation, Krumholz, M., Open Astrophysics Bookshelf, 2015Assumed Knowledge
Bachelor of Science or equivalent with a major in physics or mathematics with relevant experience or academic achievement.Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
Commonwealth Support (CSP) Students
If you have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). More information about your student contribution amount for each course at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 2
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are a domestic graduate coursework student with a Domestic Tuition Fee (DTF) place or international student you will be required to pay course tuition fees (see below). Course tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Course fees
- Domestic fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $4200 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $6000 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.
Class summaries, if available, can be accessed by clicking on the View link for the relevant class number.
Second Semester
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6996 | 25 Jul 2022 | 01 Aug 2022 | 31 Aug 2022 | 28 Oct 2022 | In Person | View |