Syllabus for Nuclear Physics for Pedestrians

Kärnfysik för nyfikna

A revised version of the syllabus is available.

Syllabus

  • 5 credits
  • Course code: 1FA319
  • Education cycle: First cycle
  • Main field(s) of study and in-depth level: Physics G1N

    Explanation of codes

    The code indicates the education cycle and in-depth level of the course in relation to other courses within the same main field of study according to the requirements for general degrees:

    First cycle

    • G1N: has only upper-secondary level entry requirements
    • G1F: has less than 60 credits in first-cycle course/s as entry requirements
    • G1E: contains specially designed degree project for Higher Education Diploma
    • G2F: has at least 60 credits in first-cycle course/s as entry requirements
    • G2E: has at least 60 credits in first-cycle course/s as entry requirements, contains degree project for Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science
    • GXX: in-depth level of the course cannot be classified

    Second cycle

    • A1N: has only first-cycle course/s as entry requirements
    • A1F: has second-cycle course/s as entry requirements
    • A1E: contains degree project for Master of Arts/Master of Science (60 credits)
    • A2E: contains degree project for Master of Arts/Master of Science (120 credits)
    • AXX: in-depth level of the course cannot be classified

  • Grading system: Fail (U), Pass (3), Pass with credit (4), Pass with distinction (5)
  • Established: 2014-03-13
  • Established by: The Faculty Board of Science and Technology
  • Revised: 2015-04-22
  • Revised by: The Faculty Board of Science and Technology
  • Applies from: Autumn 2015
  • Entry requirements: General entry requirements
  • Responsible department: Department of Physics and Astronomy

Learning outcomes

This course is intended for all curious persons who would like to learn the basics of nuclear physics and be able to use this knowledge for understanding of the principles of the most common nuclear physics applications in the society.

After the course has been completed the student should be able to

  • use basic concepts of nuclear physics,
  • describe the basic principles of the most common nuclear physics applications in the society: nuclear energy, radiation therapy and nuclear medicine,
  • use nuclear data bases available on Internet to search for information about the properties of nuclides,
  • write short reports about different applications of nuclear physics.

Content

Basic nuclear physics: Nuclides, isotopes, nuclear mass, binding energy and stability, radioactive decays, natural and artificial radioactivity, nuclear reactions.

Radiation physics: Ionising radiation, different dose concepts, quality factors, radiation biology, our radiation environment.

Nuclear energy: Fission reactors, reactor accidents, nuclear fuel processes, transmutation of nuclear waste, fusion research

Medical applications: different methods for radiation therapy and diagnostics in nuclear medicine.

Other applications, for example radiometric dating, methods for analysis of materials, synthesis of nuclei in the Universe.

Instruction

An introduction day with lectures in the beginning of the course, computer-aided self studies, study visits.

Assessment

Active participation at the introduction day. The examination consists of hand-in exercises, projects and study visit reports.

Syllabus Revisions

Reading list

Reading list

Applies from: Spring 2015

Some titles may be available electronically through the University library.

  • Bryan, Jeff C. Introduction to nuclear science

    Second edition.: Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press/ Taylor & Francis Group, [2013]

    Find in the library

    Mandatory

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