TUTA2004 Introduction to Radiation Physics (5 cr)

Study level:
Intermediate studies
Grading scale:
0-5
Language:
Finnish
Responsible organisation:
Department of Physics
Curriculum periods:
2026-2027, 2027-2028

Description

  • Fundamentals of nuclear physics, e.g. nuclear structure and stability, types of radioactive decay, radioactive decay law
  • Ionizing radiation, types of radiation
  • Interaction of radiation with matter
  • Principles of radiation detection and measurement
  • X-rays and its applications, especially industrial and medical applications
  • Applications of nuclear physics, nuclear power and nuclear waste 

Learning outcomes

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

  • know the most common types of radiation, including alpha, beta, gamma, X-ray and neutron radiation
  • knows the structure of the nucleus and factors affecting its stability
  • can use equations related to radioactivity and ionizing radiation
  • knows the basics of radiation interaction with matter
  • can explain the physical foundations of radiation measurement and knows the most common quantities and units
  • knows industrial and medical applications of radiation
  • can perform simple computer simulations related to radiation. 

Description of prerequisites

Quantum Physics and Structure of Matter / Modern Physics, part A, or similar. 

Study materials

Lecture material

Literature

  • J. Lilley, Nuclear Physics: Principles and Applications (2001), Wiley, ISBN 978-0-471-97936-4
  • James S. Bogard et al. Atoms, Radiation, and Radiation Protection, 4th Edition ISBN 978-3-527-41352-2
  • https://stuk.fi/sateily-ja-ydinturvallisuus-kirjasarja
  • D.L. Bailey et al. (Eds.), Nuclear Medicine Physics: a Handbook for Teachers and Students (2014), IAEA, ISBN 978–92–0–143810–2
  • D.R. Dance et al. (Eds.), Diagnostic Radiology Physics: a Handbook for Teachers and Students (2014), IAEA, ISBN 978–92–131010–1
  • G. F. Knoll, Radiation Detection and Measurement (4th edition) (2010), Wiley, ISBN 978-0-470-13148-0

Completion methods

Method 1

Evaluation criteria:
Weekly exercises and exam.
Time of teaching:
Period 2
Select all marked parts

Method 2

Description:
This method is intended for students for whom method 1 is not possible for specific reasons (e.g. language, living elsewhere). The course lecturer must be contacted before enrolling to the course.
Evaluation criteria:
Possible exercises and exam.
Time of teaching:
Period 2
Select all marked parts
Parts of the completion methods
x

Participation in teaching (5 cr)

Type:
Participation in teaching
Grading scale:
0-5
Evaluation criteria:
<p>Weekly exercises and exam.&nbsp;</p>
Language:
Finnish
No published teaching
x

Independent study (5 cr)

Type:
Independent study
Grading scale:
0-5
Evaluation criteria:
<p>Possible exercises and exam.&nbsp;</p>
Language:
Finnish
No published teaching