FYSS3300 Nuclear Physics (8 cr)

Study level:
Advanced studies
Grading scale:
0-5
Language:
English
Responsible organisation:
Department of Physics
Curriculum periods:
2020-2021, 2021-2022, 2022-2023

Description

  • Liquid drop model of the nucleus

  • Nuclear shell model and single-particle states

  • Deformed nuclei

  • Vibrational nuclei

  • Radioactivity: alpha decay, beta decay and electromagnetic transitions

  • Nuclear reactions

  • Interaction of radiation with matter

  • Nuclear fission and operation of a nuclear power plant

  • Principles of different particle accelerators

  • Basics of nuclear astrophysics 

Learning outcomes

On completion of the course, students will be able to:

  • use the semi-empirical mass formula and experimental atomic masses to calculate binding energies and separation energies

  • relate the terms of the semi-empirical mass formula to properties of the nucleon-nucleon interaction and the binding of nucleons in nuclei

  • identify a variety of experimental observables which indicate the need for a nuclear shell model

  • use the shell model to calculate the spin and parity of the nuclear ground state as well as to understand simple single-particle excitations and structure

  • use rotational and vibrational models of nuclei

  • use the radioactive decay law and apply it to real-world scenarios of radioactivity

  • use Q value systematics in beta decay in order to calculate log-ft values and identify the different transitions and how they can relate to the nuclear shell model

  • make relations between models of the alpha decay process and experimental alpha decay data

  • make calculations of electromagnetic transition rates using a simple model, compare the results to experimental data

  • calculate reaction rates in experiments given target thicknesses, cross sections and primary beam intensities

  • use the liquid drop model to describe the nuclear fission process

  • list the important ingredients of a nuclear reactor and calculate different parameters of operational reactors

  • describe how different particle accelerators work

  • understand the principle of astrophysical nucleosynthesis 

Description of prerequisites

  • A solid understanding of modern physics and basic quantum mechanics

  • Courses FYSA2001 Modern physics (part A), FYSA2002 Modern physics (part B), FYSA2031 Quantum mechanics (part A) and FYSA2032 Quantum mechanics (part B), are recommended.

  • Mathematical prerequisites: first order differential equations used for problems related to radioactive decay 

Study materials

Lecture slides and notes, additional material (journal articles, etc) 

Literature

  • K.S. Krane, Introductory Nuclear Physics

Completion methods

Method 1

Evaluation criteria:
Exams (80%) and exercises (20%)
Time of teaching:
Period 1, Period 2
Select all marked parts

Method 2

Description:
This completion method is for students for whom the Completion method 1 is not possible for specific reasons (e.g. language, distance learning, statement for special study arrangements). Contact the teacher before enrolling to the course via this completion method.
Evaluation criteria:
Exam (max 48 points) and possible exercises (max 12 points), 60 points in total. If there are no exercises, then the final exam will be 60 points.
Select all marked parts
Parts of the completion methods
x

Teaching (8 cr)

Type:
Participation in teaching
Grading scale:
0-5
Evaluation criteria:
Exams (80%) and exercises (20%).
Language:
English
Study methods:
Lectures, Exercises and Examination 

Teaching

x

Independent study (8 cr)

Type:
Independent study
Grading scale:
0-5
Evaluation criteria:
Exam (max 48 points) and possible exercises (max 12 points), 60 points in total. If there are no exercises, then the final exam will be 60 points.
Language:
English
Study methods:

Self-study, possible exercises and examination.

Teaching