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PHY402Sciences3 Unitsintermediate

Nuclear Physics

This course introduces the fundamental concepts of nuclear physics, exploring the structure of the nucleus and the forces governing its behavior. It covers nuclear models, radioactivity, and nuclear reactions, including fission and fusion. Students will learn about the energetics of emitted particles and the interaction of radiation with matter, gaining insights into applications in various fields such as medicine and energy.

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78h
Study Time
13
Weeks
6h
Per Week
intermediate
Math Level
Course Keywords
Nuclear StructureRadioactivityNuclear ReactionsNuclear ModelsRadiation Interaction

Course Overview

Everything you need to know about this course

Course Difficulty

Intermediate Level
Builds on foundational knowledge
65%
intermediate
📊
Math Level
Moderate Math
📖
Learning Type
Theoretical Focus

Course Topics

Key areas covered in this course

1

Nuclear Structure

2

Nuclear Models

3

Radioactivity

4

Energetics of Particles

5

Nuclear Reactions

6

Interaction of Radiation with Matter

Total Topics6 topics

Ready to Start

No specific requirements needed

This course is designed to be accessible to all students. You can start immediately without any prior knowledge or specific preparation.

Assessment Methods

How your progress will be evaluated (2 methods)

Tutor-Marked Assignments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

End-of-Course Examination

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

Career Opportunities

Explore the career paths this course opens up for you

Nuclear Physicist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Radiation Safety Officer

Apply your skills in this growing field

Medical Physicist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Nuclear Engineer

Apply your skills in this growing field

Research Scientist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Industry Applications

Real-world sectors where you can apply your knowledge

Nuclear Power GenerationNuclear MedicineMaterials EngineeringGeologyArchaeology

Study Schedule Beta

A structured 13-week journey through the course content

Week
1

Module 1:

4h

Unit 1: Nuclear Structure

4 study hours
  • •Review the constituents of an atom.
  • •Understand the concept of nuclear size.
  • •Study the properties of nuclear masses and nuclear forces.
  • •Solve problems related to nuclear radius and density.
Week
2

Module 1:

4h

Unit 2: Nuclear Models

4 study hours
  • •Study the Liquid Drop Model and its assumptions.
  • •Understand the Shell Model and its quantum mechanical basis.
  • •Explore the Collective Model and its applications.
  • •Compare and contrast the different nuclear models.
Week
3

Module 1:

4h

Unit 3: Radioactivity

4 study hours
  • •Define radioactivity and its different types (alpha, beta, gamma).
  • •Understand the kinematics of radioactive decay.
  • •Study the radioactive series and their decay paths.
  • •Learn about age determination using radioisotopes.
Week
4

Module 1:

4h

Unit 4: The Energetic of Particles

4 study hours
  • •Understand the energetics of alpha decay and the factors influencing it.
  • •Study the different types of beta decay (β-, β+, electron capture).
  • •Learn about gamma decay and nuclear isomerism.
  • •Solve problems related to decay energies and particle velocities.
Week
5

Module 1:

4h

Unit 5: Nuclear Reactions

4 study hours
  • •Define nuclear reactions and their different types.
  • •Understand the Q-value equation and its significance.
  • •Study nuclear fission and fusion reactions.
  • •Solve problems related to reaction energies and threshold energies.
Week
6

Module 1:

4h

Unit 6: Interaction of Radiation with Matter

4 study hours
  • •Study the interaction of heavy charged particles with matter.
  • •Understand the interaction of beta rays (fast electrons) with matter.
  • •Learn about the interaction of photons (gamma rays) with matter.
  • •Study the interaction of neutrons with matter.
Week
7

Module 1:

6h

Unit 1: Nuclear Structure

3 study hours
  • •Review Nuclear Structure: Constituents of an atom, nuclear size, nuclear masses and nuclear forces.

Unit 2: Nuclear Models

3 study hours
  • •Review Nuclear Models: Liquid drop model, shell model or independent particle model, and the collective model.
Week
8

Module 1:

6h

Unit 3: Radioactivity

6 study hours
  • •Review Radioactivity: Kinematics, properties of particles, radioactive series, and age determination.
Week
9

Module 1:

6h

Unit 4: The Energetic of Particles

6 study hours
  • •Review Energetics of Particles: Conditions and properties of particles during α, β, and γ decay.
Week
10

Module 1:

6h

Unit 5: Nuclear Reactions

6 study hours
  • •Review Nuclear Reactions: Processes, fission, fusion, and types of nuclear reactions.
Week
11

Module 1:

6h

Unit 6: Interaction of Radiation with Matter

6 study hours
  • •Review Interaction of Radiation with Matter: Heavy charged particles, beta rays, photons, and neutrons.
Week
12

Module 1:

6h

TMA Preparation

6 study hours
  • •Work on Tutor Marked Assignments (TMAs).
Week
13

Module 1:

6h

Exam Revision

6 study hours
  • •Prepare for end-of-course examinations.

This study schedule is in beta and may not be accurate. Please use it as a guide and consult the course outline for the most accurate information.

Course PDF Material

Read the complete course material as provided by NOUN.

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Study Tips & Exam Preparation

Expert tips to help you succeed in this course

1

Review all the key definitions and concepts from each unit.

2

Practice solving numerical problems from the examples and TMAs.

3

Focus on understanding the different nuclear models and their limitations.

4

Create concept maps linking different types of radioactive decay and nuclear reactions.

5

Pay close attention to the units on radiation interaction with matter, as they are crucial for understanding applications in medicine and industry.

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