Nuclear Physics for Pedestrians

8 credits

Syllabus, Bachelor's level, 1FA320

This course has been discontinued.

A revised version of the syllabus is available.

Code: 1FA320
Education cycle: First cycle
Main field(s) of study and in-depth level: Physics G1N
Grading system: Pass with distinction (5), Pass with credit (4), Pass (3), Fail (U)
Finalised by: The Faculty Board of Science and Technology, 15 March 2007
Responsible department: Department of Physics and Astronomy

Entry requirements

General entry requirements

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:

Understand basic concepts of nuclear physics.
Understand and be able to describe the basic principles of the most common nuclear physics applications in the society: nuclear energy, radiation therapy, nuclear medicine, radiometric dating, nuclear waepons.
Know how to find and use nuclear data bases available on Internet, for example the table of isotopes.
Be able to perform simple calculations of radiation doses and cancer risks.

Content

l Basic nuclear physic: Nuclides, isotopes, nuclear mass, binding energy and stability, radioactive decays, natural and artificial radioactivity, nuclear reactions, chain reactions with neutrons (fission), thermonuclear processes (fusion).

Radiation physics: Ionising radiation, different dose concepts, quality factors, radiation biology, cancer risk assessment, our radiation environment.
Nuclear energy: Fission reactors (boiling water, pressurized water , heavy water, breed reactors), reactor accidents, nuclear fuel processes from uranium mining to final deposition, transmutation of nuclear waste, fusion research
Nuclear weapons: fission, fusion, neutron, and "dirty" bombs, hybride weapons.
Medical applications: different methods for radiation therapy and diagnostics in nuclear medicine.
Radiometric dating: Carbon-14 and other methods.

Instruction

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

Assessment

The examination consists of a combination of the following parts: hand-in exercises (50%), project (40%) and study visit reports (10%).