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 NUCLEAR PHYSICS
Code PHYS375
Coordinator Professor DT Joss
Physics
David.Joss@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2022-23 Level 6 FHEQ First Semester 7.5

Aims

To build on the second year module involving Nuclear Physics; to develop an understanding of the modern view of nuclei, how they are modelled and of nuclear decay processes.


Learning Outcomes

(LO1) Knowledge of evidence for the shell model of nuclei, its development and the successes and failures of the model in explaining nuclear properties.

(LO2) Knowledge of the collective vibrational and rotational models of nuclei.

(LO3) Basic knowledge of nuclear decay processes, alpha decay and fission, of gamma-ray transitions and internal conversion.

(LO4) Knowledge of electromagnetic transitions in nuclei.

(S1) How to use mathematics to describe the physical world.

(S2) How to tackle problems in physics and formulate an appropriate solution.

(S3) How to compare results critically with predictions from theory.


Syllabus

 

Bulk properties of nuclei, nuclear constituents, the nuclear chart mass, binding energy, the liquid-drop model, separation energy, reaction.

Q-value, nuclear size, cross section, charge distribution nuclear instability, nuclear energy surface, valley of stability, drip lines, isobaric disintegrations: beta-decay and electron capture, alpha-decay and fission, other decay modes, the nuclear interaction.

Strong intensity, short range, the nuclear potential, charge independence.

Di-nucleon states, spin dependence.

Isobaric analogue states Nuclear structure models The nuclear many-body problem.

Single-particle model: the mean field, the spherical nuclear shell-model, collective structure of nuclei: vibrational and rotational models.

Electromagnetic nuclear properties, electromagnetic nuclear moments, electromagnetic radiation - gamma-decay and internal conversion.

Weisskopf estimates.


Teaching and Learning Strategies

Teaching Method 1 –On-Campus Lectures.
Attendance Recorded: Yes.

Teaching Method 2 –Workshop. Description: Three problem-solving classes with guidance from staff and to receive feedback.
Attendance Recorded: Yes


Teaching Schedule

  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours     3

    16

19
Timetable (if known)              
Private Study 56
TOTAL HOURS 75

Assessment

EXAM Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
Notes
Examination completed on campus. There is a resit opportunity. Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. This is an anonymous assessment. Assessment Schedule: Semester 1  120    80       
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
Notes
Coursework submitted on-line. Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. This is not an anonymous assessment.    10       
Coursework submitted on-line. Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. This is not an anonymous assessment.    10       

Recommended Texts

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