Applied Nuclear Physics

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge and Understanding

Having successfully completed this module, you will be able to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of:

• interactions of ionising radiation with matter
• the processes which explain the abundances of the elements around us. the principles of radiocarbon and geological dating, and be able to perform the related calculations for age determination
• the key techniques for detection of radiation
• the physical processes involved in nuclear power generation and appreciate the safety aspects of current nuclear power systems
• the Mossbauer effect and its applications in modern nuclear spectroscopy
• the nuclear techniques of materials analysis and their application within industry. the medical applications of nuclear phenomena

The interaction of radiation with matter - Reviews the many ways in which radiation can interact with matter, this introduction provides the basis for the detection techniques and the practical applications of radiation discussed later.

The detection of radioactivity - Surveys the various detection techniques which are used in the practical application of radiation. Detailed descriptions are given as appropriate during the course.

Radioactive dating - Discusses the various methods of dating materials using the naturally generated radioactive isotopes found within them.

Trace element identification - The detection and identification of small quantities of contaminants is of vital importance in many areas - materials analysis, forensic science, security (e.g. airline baggage scanning and industrial quality control. The possibility of transmutation of nuclear waste products into harmless nuclides is also discussed.

Medical applications of nuclear phenomena - Radiation is used in medicine for both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. The underlying physics and the relative merits of the basic techniques are reviewed. Nuclear magnetic resonance imaging will be introduced.

The Mossbauer Effect - An extremely high resolution spectroscopic technique which makes possible a very precise measurement of the energy of gamma-rays, and therefore provides a very sensitive energy-probe of the nuclear region of atoms.

Nucleosynthesis - Discusses the cosmological, stellar and other processes which create the elements around us.

Present and Future Nuclear energy - Nuclear fission is an established energy source, while research into the harnessing of fusion power continues. This course discusses the physics behind nuclear power, its safety issues, and future prospects.

Formative

This is how we’ll give you feedback as you are learning. It is not a formal test or exam.

Problem Sheets

• Assessment Type: Formative
• Feedback: Model answers will be provided 2 weeks after problem sheets are available.
• Final Assessment: No
• Group Work: No
• Percentage contribution: 100%

Summative

This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.

Referral

This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.

Repeat

An internal repeat is where you take all of your modules again, including any you passed. An external repeat is where you only re-take the modules you failed.