The lecture component of this module will introduce students to the quantitative physics underlying the formation, evolution and eventual demise of stars. Students will learn how fundamental concepts from diverse areas of physics, such as gravity, thermodynamics, statistical physics and quantum mechanics come together to provide a complete mathematical model of stellar dynamics which is in beautiful and comprehensive agreement with observational data.

In the practical component, students will analyse experimental data on atmospheric neutrinos from the Super-Kamiokande experiment. As well as developing familiarity with aspects of relevant particle physics processes including the concept of neutrino oscillations, students will develop key skills and knowledge relevant to experimental particle physics, including chi-squared analysis and comparison to Monte Carlo simulations.

The module fosters critical thinking, research skills, and scientific literacy, equipping students to contribute meaningfully to the fields of astrophysics and particle physics.