Program Overview

Interstellar Physics (PHAS0046)

Key Information

• Faculty: Faculty of Mathematical and Physical Sciences
• Teaching department: Physics and Astronomy
• Credit value: 15
• Restrictions: In order to take this module, a student should have completed module PHAS0018 Astrophysical Processes: Nebulae to the Stars.

Alternative Credit Options

There are no alternative credit options available for this module.

Description

Outline and Aims

The aims of this module are to:

• teach the basic physics of the interstellar gas in its diffuse, ionised and molecular phases, together with the properties of interstellar dust
• develop a qualitative and quantitative understanding of the microscopic processes that are occurring within and controlling the macroscopic processes of the interstellar medium
• apply this to describe quantitatively the physical processes involved in the process of star formation and in the impact of stars on their environments.

Teaching and Learning Methodology

This module is delivered via weekly lectures supplemented by a series of workshops and additional discussion. In addition to timetabled lecture hours, it is expected that students engage in self-study in order to master the material. This can take the form, for example, of practicing example questions and further reading in textbooks and online.

Indicative Topics

• Introduction: History; Components of the ISM; Interstellar magnetic fields
• Gas Dynamics: Heating and cooling: hydrodynamics, sound waves; Shocks: cooling processes in shocked gases/isothermal shocks
• HII Regions, Stellar Winds and Supernovae: Ionised nebulae/HII regions & photoionised gas; the evolution of ionised regions; Stellar winds, supernovae, and their effects on the ISM
• Star Formation: Hydrostatic equilibrium, free-fall & induced star formation; Observational signatures of star formation; Gas flows from star-forming regions; Circumstellar and protoplanetary disks: the interstellar magnetic field
• Dust: Review of interstellar extinction & reddening; Cosmic dust & depletions; Formation & destruction of dust; Overview of grain components in the ISM: gas ratios, grain temperatures & size distribution; Scattering, absorption & grain charge
• Molecules: Brief revision of molecular spectra; Molecule formation (dark clouds); The chemistry of H2: chemistry in diffuse clouds; Molecular gas in the intergalactic medium

Module Deliveries for 2026/27 Academic Year

Intended Teaching Term: Term 2, Undergraduate (FHEQ Level 6)

Teaching and Assessment

• Mode of study: In person
• Methods of assessment:
  • 85% Exam
  • 15% Coursework (2 assessments)
• Mark scheme: Numeric Marks

Other Information

• Number of students on module in previous year: 27
• Module leader: Dr Mihkel Kama