Nuclear Physics (U01417)

? Credit Points : 10 ? SCQF Level : 10 ? Acronym : PHY-4-Nuclear

The course will build on the foundations of the third year by further exploring the fundamentals of nuclear matter as well as considering some of the most important applications of nuclear physics. Topics to be studied will include decay modes, nuclear reactions, and nuclear astrophysics. The lecture course will be integrated with problem solving classes.

Entry Requirements

? Pre-requisites : At least 40 credit points accrued in courses of SCQF Level 9 or 10 drawn from Schedule Q, including Nuclear & Particle Physics (PHY-3-NucPart) and Quantum Physics (PHY-4-QuantPh) or Atomic and Molecular Physics (PHY-4-AtMol).

Subject Areas

Home subject area

Undergraduate (School of Physics), (School of Physics, Schedule Q)

Delivery Information

? Normal year taken : 4th year

? Delivery Period : Semester 2 (Blocks 3-4)

? Contact Teaching Time : 2 hour(s) per week for 11 weeks

All of the following classes

Type	Day	Start	End	Area
Lecture	Tuesday	09:00	09:50	KB
Lecture	Friday	09:00	09:50	KB

? Additional Class Information : Workshop/tutorial sessions, as arranged.

Summary of Intended Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, the student should be able to:

1)identify basic nuclear properties and outline their theoretical descriptions
2)understand the differences between various decay modes, state selection rules, and determine wether a given decay can take place
3)calculate Q-values for alpha and beta decays and for nuclear reactions
4)apply conservation laws to nuclear reactions and transform quantities between laboratory and centre-of-mass frames
5)compare and constrast different reaction mechanisms in relation to cross-sections, excitation functions, and angular distributions
6)summarise and account for the main aspects of at least one application of nuclear physics (e.g. Nuclear Astrophysics)
7)manage to solve problems similar to those discussed in the afternoon sessions
8)develop critical thinking and independent learning, work effectively within a team
9)produce clear and informative written and oral presentations
10)develop judgement capabilities through assessment of their own work and that of others