Nuclear Physics for Pedestrians
Syllabus, Bachelor's level, 1FA320
This course has been discontinued.
- 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, 18 June 2013
- 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 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 medicin
- use nuclear data bases available on Internet to search for information about the properties of nuclids
- 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, 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
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 hand-in exercises, projects and study visit reports.