- UCAS course code
- F3FA
- UCAS institution code
- M20
Course unit details:
Nuclear Physics
Unit code | PHYS40322 |
---|---|
Credit rating | 10 |
Unit level | Level 4 |
Teaching period(s) | Semester 2 |
Available as a free choice unit? | No |
Overview
Nuclear Physics
Pre/co-requisites
Unit title | Unit code | Requirement type | Description |
---|---|---|---|
Applications of Quantum Physics | PHYS30101 | Pre-Requisite | Recommended |
Introduction to Nuclear and Particle Physics | PHYS30121 | Pre-Requisite | Recommended |
Mathematical Fundamentals of Quantum Mechanics | PHYS30201 | Pre-Requisite | Recommended |
Follow - Up Units
PHYS40421 - Nuclear Structure and Exotic Nuclei
Aims
To provide a basic knowledge of the physics of atomic nuclei, models of the structure of the nucleus and basic mechanisms of radioactive decay and nuclear reactions.
Learning outcomes
On completion successful students should be able to:
1. Describe and explain the various methods used to determine nuclear shapes and sizes
2. Evaluate Electromagnetic moments in nuclei
3. Describe, explain and categorise the mechanisms behind nuclear decay processes
4. Evaluate the transition rates for nuclear decay processes
5. Describe, categorise and explain the basic properties of excited nuclear states using simple
models.
Syllabus
1. Basic Concepts in Nuclear Physics:
Brief resumé
2. Sizes and Shapes of Nuclei:
Measurements of nuclear mass and charge radii: electron scattering, muonic atoms. Electromagnetic moments: hyperfine structure. Nuclear deformation.
3. Mechanisms of Nuclear Decay:
a decay: Barrier penetration, Geiger-Nuttall systematics, relationship to proton/ heavy-fragment emission.
B decay: Fermi theory, selection rules.
Y decay of excited states: multipolarity, selection rules and decay probabilities
4. Excited States of Nuclei:
Description of the properties of excited states using the nuclear shell model. Collective behaviour: rotational and vibrational states.
5. Nuclear Reactions:
Cross section. Simple features of nuclear reactions. Direct and compound-nuclear mechanisms. Fusion and fission.
Assessment methods
Method | Weight |
---|---|
Written exam | 100% |
Feedback methods
Feedback will be offered by examples class tutors based on examples sheets, and model answers will be issued.
Recommended reading
Krane, K.S. Introductory Nuclear Physics (Wiley)
Supplementary reading:
Hodgson, P.E., Gadioli, E. & Gadioli Erba, E. Introductory Nuclear Physics, (OUP)
Martin, B.R. Nuclear and Particle Physics; an Introduction (Wiley)
Bertulani, C. Nuclear Physics in a Nutshell (Princeton University Press)
Study hours
Scheduled activity hours | |
---|---|
Assessment written exam | 1.5 |
Lectures | 24 |
Independent study hours | |
---|---|
Independent study | 74.5 |
Teaching staff
Staff member | Role |
---|---|
Paul Campbell | Unit coordinator |