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Research School of Physics · ANU College of Science and Medicine
Over 3,000 different kinds of atomic nuclei have been discovered in elements that span the Periodic Table, yet each one has unique properties. Some may exist forever; others transform within a fraction of a second. Some can power satellites as they travel to the outer reaches of the solar system; others have special properties that allow them to treat different forms of cancer. This course will introduce you to the physics of atomic nuclei and radioactive decay. You will develop understanding of basic nuclear properties, such as the organisation of their constituent particles and the forces that bind them together. You will then apply this knowledge to understand the origins of nuclear stability and instability, and the different kinds of radioactive decay and nuclear reactions that can occur. You will also learn about radiation-matter interactions, radiation detection and measurement techniques, and applications of nuclear science and technology relevant to energy security and human health.
Weekly assignments
Learning outcomes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
Mid-semester assessment
Learning outcomes 1, 2, 3
Final exam
Learning outcomes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
The expected workload will consist of approximately 130 hours throughout the semester, including: - Face-to-face component that may consist of 2 x 2 hour workshops per week, plus an optional 1 x 1 hour drop-in tutorial per week. - Approximately 6 hours of self-directed study per week, which will include preparation for lectures, presentations and other assessment tasks.
There are no prescribed texts. Readings will be provided on the Learning Management System (LMS). Preliminary Reading Modern Nuclear Chemistry. 2nd ed. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley, 2017. Nuclear Physics: Principles and Applications. Chichester: Wiley, 2001. Introductory Nuclear Physics. New York: Wiley, 1988. Radiation Detection and Measurement. 4th ed. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley, 2010. Radiation Detection for Nuclear Physics: Methods and Industrial Applications. Bristol: IOP Publishing, 2020. An Introduction to the Physics of Nuclear Medicine. Bristol: IOP Publishing, 2018.