| Unit name | Nuclear Science |
|---|---|
| Unit code | PHYSM0047 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | M/7 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12) |
| Unit director | Dr. Gorman |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Units you must take before you take this one (pre-requisite units) |
Not applicable |
| Units you must take alongside this one (co-requisite units) |
Not applicable |
| Units you may not take alongside this one |
Not applicable |
| School/department | School of Physics |
| Faculty | Faculty of Science |
Why is this unit important?
The unit tells the story of the ground-breaking experimental discoveries in nuclear physics at the turn of the 20th century. The essential elements of quantum mechanics needed to understand the physical mechanisms behind these experimental discoveries is presented alongside the accompanying classical arguments. Models to describe the structure and stability of nuclei are presented and used as tools for computing the energetics involved in radioactive decay processes. The unit is enhanced with the inclusion of modern day research highlights with a focus on methods to detect radiation and utilise it in a deliberate manner to probe the structure of materials. Finally, the modern day application of nuclear science to nuclear fission and fusion reactors is covered.
How does this unit fit into your programme?
This is a mandatory unit on the MSc Nuclear Science and Engineering programme. Overall, this unit presents the basic scientific concepts spanning physics, chemistry and engineering in nuclear science which are fundamental for successful later study on the programme in which they will be utilised and synthesised together. This unit will train students in the relevant mathematical techniques in describing radiation and radioactive decay: been able to undertake such calculations accurately and efficiently is imperative for later units in the programme. The unit has been designed to provide and cater for the mixed undergraduate backgrounds of students on the programme.
Your learning on this unit
An overview of content
The content covered in this unit spans the following topics: Subatomic particles, Laws of conservation, Binding energies of nuclei, Semi-Empirical Mass Formula (SEMF), Shell model of nuclei, Radioactive decay: decay constants, lifetimes, coupled schemes and decay diagrams, Nucleosynthesis in the Universe, Radiation types, Alpha decay, Beta decay, Detectors, Neutron physics, Nuclear Fusion and Nuclear fission.
Overall this unit will enlighten students on how scientific knowledge is developed over time through the interlocking triangle of experimental, theoretical and computational advances. Students will gain oversight of how different theoretical frameworks and models are required to be used in tandem to accurately describe different aspects of observed phenomena. The underpinning probabilistic nature of quantum mechanics will be emphasised throughout the unit: this way of thinking is distinct from classical deterministic paradigm which students will be most familiar with.
Learning outcomes
Students will be able to:
How you will be assessed
Tasks which help you learn and prepare you for summative tasks (formative):
Throughout the unit your learning will be enhanced with formative activities both in-class and in your own independent study. These will include
Throughout the unit, emphasis will be placed on the professional ability to write logical and comprehensive solutions to problems.
Tasks which count towards your unit mark (summative):
When assessment does not go to plan
Students who fail the unit will be offered a resit in the supplementary period with both a coursework and examination element. Students who have been unable to complete the coursework and/or the examination for good reason will complete a supplementary assessment for the missed elements.
If this unit has a Resource List, you will normally find a link to it in the Blackboard area for the unit. Sometimes there will be a separate link for each weekly topic.
If you are unable to access a list through Blackboard, you can also find it via the Resource Lists homepage. Search for the list by the unit name or code (e.g. PHYSM0047).
How much time the unit requires
Each credit equates to 10 hours of total student input. For example a 20 credit unit will take you 200 hours
of study to complete. Your total learning time is made up of contact time, directed learning tasks,
independent learning and assessment activity.
See the University Workload statement relating to this unit for more information.
Assessment
The Board of Examiners will consider all cases where students have failed or not completed the assessments required for credit.
The Board considers each student's outcomes across all the units which contribute to each year's programme of study. For appropriate assessments, if you have self-certificated your absence, you will normally be required to complete it the next time it runs (for assessments at the end of TB1 and TB2 this is usually in the next re-assessment period).
The Board of Examiners will take into account any exceptional circumstances and operates
within the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.
