Entry requirements

120 credits including Mechanics III and basic knowledge of quantum physics.

Learning outcomes

On completion of 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 exercise: 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.

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.