To be published in "The Spectral Energy Distribution of Gas-Rich Galaxies: Confronting Models with Data", Proceedings of the International Workshop held 4-8 October 2004 in Heidelberg, 4-8 Oct. 2004, Edited by Cristina C. Popescu and Richard J. Tuffs, AIP Conf. Ser.
astro-ph/0502339

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Abstract. This paper reviews the theoretical modelling of starburst galaxies with particular emphasis on the importance of the gas-phase physics in determining the form of the continuum SED and the emission line spectrum. Both line and continuum diagnostics have been used as star formation indicators. Here, we examine from the point of view of the theory how reliable each of these indicators may be, and to what physics of the galaxy they are sensitive, with the aim of decreasing the errors associated with measuring the star formation history of the universe.

Table of Contents

• INTRODUCTION
• STAR FORMATION INDICATORS
• PHYSICAL ELEMENTS OF SED MODELLING
• HII REGION EVOLUTION IN STARBURST GALAXIES
• PAN-SPECTRAL FITS TO STARBURST GALAXIES
• THE WAY FORWARD
• REFERENCES