Nuclear Physics
Syllabus, Master's level, 1FA346
- Code
- 1FA346
- Education cycle
- Second cycle
- Main field(s) of study and in-depth level
- Physics A1N
- Grading system
- Pass with distinction (5), Pass with credit (4), Pass (3), Fail (U)
- Finalised by
- The Faculty Board of Science and Technology, 16 March 2010
- Responsible department
- Department of Physics and Astronomy
Entry requirements
120 credits including basic knowledge of quantum physics.
Learning outcomes
After passing the course the student should be able to
- apply the models describing the basic nucleon and nuclear properties
- describe the properties of strong and weak interaction.
- explain the different forms of radioactivity and account for their occurrence
- calculate the kinematics of various reactions and decay processes by relativistic calculations
- describe the astrophysical processes leading to nuclear synthesis
- classify elementary particles and nuclear states in terms of their quantum numbers
- account for the fission and fusion processes and the basic properties of the nuclear and fusion reactors
- explain the different processes by which ionising radiation interacts with matter and the functionality of detectors for radioactivity
- explain the effects of radioactivity in biological matter
Content
The course gives an overview of modern nuclear and particle physics, stressing fundamental concepts and processes. Methods of measurement and applications within other sciences and technology will be reviewed. Nuclear and nucleon properties and models to describe them. Strong and weak interaction. Alpha, beta and gamma decay. Quantum numbers, symmetries and conservation laws. Nuclear isotopes and decay laws. Nuclear reactions, fission and fusion. Nuclear and fusion reactors. Accelerators. Origin of the elements. Relativistic kinematics and cross section. The interaction of radiation with matter. Biological effects from radioactive radiation. Nuclear physics applications in industry and health care.
Laboratory exercises: Radiation and detectors.
Instruction
Lectures, lessons, hand-in exercise and laboratory exercise.
Educational visit: The Svedberg Laboratory
Assessment
Written examination at the end of the course (4 credits). Passed laboratory and hand-in exercise (1 credit) are necessary to pass the course but are not graded.