Syllabus for Nuclear Physics for Pedestrians

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.

On completion of the course, 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.

If there are special reasons for doing so, an examiner may make an exception from the method of assessment indicated and allow a student to be assessed by another method. An example of special reasons might be a certificate regarding special pedagogical support from the disability coordinator of the university.