Programme And Module Handbook
 
Course Details in 2019/20 Session


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Module Title LI Nuclear Physics and Neutrinos
SchoolPhysics and Astronomy
Department Physics & Astronomy
Module Code 03 17301
Module Lead PROF Freer
Level Intermediate Level
Credits 10
Semester Semester 2
Pre-requisites LI Particles and Nuclei & A Quantum Approach to Solids - (03 26017)
Co-requisites
Restrictions None
Contact Hours Lecture-24 hours
Guided independent study-76 hours
Total: 100 hours
Exclusions
Description

Nuclear Physics – This course provides an introduction to the topic of nuclear physics. It will explore what the mass of a nucleus reveals about the strong interaction; examine how the nuclear size and shape is measured, and the key decay mechanisms; alpha, beta and gamma decay and the associated selection rules and Q-values (energy release). The role of nuclear reactions in the synthesis of the elements will be described, including: proton burning, CNO cycle, rp-process, s-process and r-process. The process of energy generation using nuclear fusion and fission will be described together with medical applications and detection of nuclear radiation.


Neutrino Physics – The course provides an introduction to neutrino physics and related issues. It starts with a revision of the foundations of the Standard Model of particle physics (kinematics, particles and forces, conserved quantum numbers). It describes key experiments that demonstrated the existence of the three lepton generations and the finite neutrino mass. The principles and processes involved in the neutrino detection are reviewed. A number of neutrino detection techniques (including water Cherenkov, radiochemical and tracking calorimeter detectors) are discussed. The phenomenon of neutrino mixing and oscillations is introduced. Recent experiments with atmospheric, solar, accelerator and reactor neutrinos and the future developments in the field are presented.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the module students should be able to:

  • describe neutrino properties and interactions;
  • discuss the production and detection of atmospheric, solar, accelerator and reactor neutrinos;
  • describe neutrino detection principles and techniques involved in key experiments;
  • describe the recent neutrino experiments and their results;
  • demonstrate an understanding of the nature of the strong force and its effect on nuclear properties such as mass, and the determination of the nuclear size and shape;
  • show an understanding of the of the key decay processes (alpha, beta and gamma) and to be able to use selection rules and Q-values;
  • describe stellar nucleosythesis processes and calculate the energy production associated with reactions in tars;
  • demonstrate an understanding of energy production by fusion and fission and perform simple calculations;
  • describe the functionality of a range of radiation detectors;
  • demonstrate an awareness of a range of applications of nuclear techniques..
Assessment 17301-01 : Exam : Exam (Centrally Timetabled) - Written Unseen (100%)
17301-05 : Continuous Assessment : Coursework (0%)
Assessment Methods & Exceptions Assessment:

Nuclear Physics and Neutrinos:
17301-01 : Exam : Exam (Centrally Timetabled) - Written Unseen (80%)
17301-05 : Continuous Assessment : Coursework (20%)
1 x 1.5 hour exam (80%) and continuous assessment (weekly problem sheets) (20%)

Combined exam:
Combined into one exam of length 3 hours, containing 5 Parts, where each student (whole class) is expected to do two Parts. The Parts are:

Nuclear Physics and Neutrinos
Structure in the Universe
Observational Astronomy
Modern Optics
Electronics

There will be ~60 students who only do one Part, as they are taking the Theoretical Physics Option exam. Each Part is expected to take 1.5 hours. There will therefore need to be two papers with slightly different rubrics, according to the length of time the students will sit the paper. These papers must take place at the same time (but different locations where possible).

Reassessment:

Nuclear Physics and Neutrinos:
1 x 1.5 hour exam (80%) and continuous assessment (weekly problem sheets) (20%)

Combined exam:
Combined into one exam of length 3 hours, containing 5 Parts, where each student (whole class) is expected to do two Parts. The Parts are:

Nuclear Physics and Neutrinos
Structure in the Universe
Observational Astronomy
Modern Optics
Electronics

There will be ~60 students who only do one Part, as they are taking the Theoretical Physics Option exam. Each Part is expected to take 1.5 hours. There will therefore need to be two papers with slightly different rubrics, according to the length of time the students will sit the paper. These papers must take place at the same time (but different locations where possible).
Other 03 01326 LC Quarks and Leptons is strongly advised as a prerequisite.
Reading List