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 B Cheal
Physics
Bradley.Cheal@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2018-19 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

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

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

Understanding of the techniques used in measurements in nuclear applications

Ability to solve simple problems in nuclear science


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 dec ays.
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

Lecture - Lectures that cover the whole syllabus of the module

6 x 2h/week

Small Group Learning - Small Group Learning

3 x 2h


Teaching Schedule

  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours 12
Lectures that cover the whole syllabus of the module
        6
Small Group Learning
18
Timetable (if known) 6 x 2h/week
 
        3 x 2h
 
 
Private Study 57
TOTAL HOURS 75

Assessment

EXAM Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
Notes
Unseen Written Exam  90  S2  70  Yes  Standard UoL penalty applies  Written Examination Notes (applying to all assessments) - none 
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
Notes
Coursework    S2  30  Yes  Standard UoL penalty applies  Workshops 

Recommended Texts

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