Module Details

The information contained in this module specification was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change, either during the session because of unforeseen circumstances, or following review of the module at the end of the session. Queries about the module should be directed to the member of staff with responsibility for the module.
Title INTRODUCTION TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE
Code PHYS135
Coordinator Dr AJ Boston
Physics
A.J.Boston@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2019-20 Level 4 FHEQ Second Semester 7.5

Aims

To provide the students with a broad introduction to nuclear science To provide the students with the physics basis for measurements used in nuclear science To attract students to nuclear science pathways


Learning Outcomes

(LO1) Basic understanding of the underlying physics properties and ideas that are utilised in nuclear science

(LO2) Basic knowledge of the physics involved in measurement techniques used in nuclear science

(LO3) Understanding of the techniques used in measurements in nuclear applications

(LO4) Ability to solve simple problems in nuclear science

(S1) Problem solving skills


Syllabus

 

Properties of nuclei Radioactive decay modes. Activity. Half-life. Nuclear size, mass and binding energy. Liquid drop model and binding energies per nucleon. Nuclear excited states and energy levels. Radioactive decay processes Alpha decay. Q-value. Kinetic energy of the alpha particle. Beta minus decay, beta plus decay, electron capture. Q-values and determination of permitted decays. Gamma decay. Energy conservation. Nuclear reactions Q-value considerations: exothermic and endothermic. Threshold energy. Coulomb barrier. Cross section. Interaction of radiation with materials Range and interaction mechanism for alpha and beta particles in matter. Attenuation of gamma rays. Nuclear radiation detectors. Radiation dose and protection issues. Interaction of neutrons with matter. Activation analysis. Nuclear reactors Energy from fission. Components of a fission reactor. Uranium enrichment. Neutron moderation. Outline of a fusion reactor and current outlook.


Teaching and Learning Strategies

Teaching Method 1 - Lecture
Description: Lectures that cover the whole syllabus of the module
Attendance Recorded: Yes
Notes: 6 x 2h/week

Teaching Method 2 - Small Group Learning
Description: Small Group Learning
Attendance Recorded: Yes
Notes: 3 x 2h


Teaching Schedule

  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours 12

        6

18
Timetable (if known)              
Private Study 57
TOTAL HOURS 75

Assessment

EXAM Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
Notes
Written Examination There is a resit opportunity. Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. This is an anonymous assessment. Assessment Schedule (When) :S2  90 minutes.    70       
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
Notes
Workshops There is a resit opportunity. Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. This is not an anonymous assessment. Assessment Schedule (When) :S2      30       

Recommended Texts

Reading lists are managed at readinglists.liverpool.ac.uk. Click here to access the reading lists for this module.