Course Details in 2021/22 Session

Module Title	Practical & Applied Studies A
School	Physics and Astronomy
Department	Physics & Astronomy
Module Code	03 25639
Module Lead	Dr Paul Norman
Level	Masters Level
Credits	20
Semester	Semester 1
Pre-requisites
Co-requisites
Restrictions	None
Contact Hours	Lecture-10 hours Practical Classes and workshops-12 hours Supervised time in studio/workshop-66 hours Guided independent study-112 hours Total: 200 hours
Exclusions
Description	This module will equip students with practical, professional and employability skills required for a career in the field. The module also gives students the opportunity to apply their knowledge and understanding from lectures to case studies and real life situations. The module consists of 3 components: physics laboratory studies; materials and analysis laboratory studies; computational and numerical analysis. Each component is assessed through coursework. Physics laboratory practical classes will involve investigating the nature and properties of ionising radiations. The characterisation of radioactive waste, and investigations of the various factors that influence radiation absorption and the choice of shielding materials, will be explored using a range of detector systems. Materials and analysis laboratory practical classes will equip students with a basic understanding and experience of a range of solid state analysis methods, including X-ray diffraction and X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy. Computational and numerical analysis enables students to apply their knowledge and understanding of computational chemistry to problem-solving exercises and to case studies. Computational chemistry practical classes will have particular focus on the deployment of atomistic simulation methodologies to understand the structure, stability and reactivity of solid state materials at the atomic level, particularly those with relevance to industrial and energy applications.
Learning Outcomes	By the end of the module students should be able to: Identify and use various radiation detection systems for monitoring different radiation types - taking into account radiation properties and detector characteristics; Identify and use suitable radiation detection equipment for the characterisation of component radionuclides in radioactive waste ; Determine the shielding properties of various materials and geometries taking into account the properties of the radiations involved and the physical characteristics of the materials; Analyse and interpret data using a range of analytical techniques and perform shielding calculations and estimates of dose rates; Demonstrate an understanding and appreciation of the applicability of a variety of computational chemistry simulation codes to the modelling of nuclear fuels and waste encapsulation matrices; Produce a concise scientific laboratory report describing the aims, methods, measurements, analyses and conclusions, justifying the experimental design using theoretical principles; Produce a concise computational and numerical analysis report, describing the aims, simulation/modelling methodologies, calculation results and conclusions, justifying predicted properties by judicious use of appropriate methods; Demonstrate teamwork, critical thinking and time management skills; Demonstrate numeracy, ICT and interpersonal skills.
Assessment	25639-01 : Lab Report 1 : Coursework (20%) 25639-02 : Lab Report 2 : Coursework (40%) 25639-04 : Lab notebook : Coursework (15%) 25639-05 : Computational Chemistry : Coursework (25%)
Assessment Methods & Exceptions	Assessment: 25639-01 : Nuclear Laboratory Report and Lab Notebook: (50%) 25639-02 : Materials and Analysis Laboratory Report: (25%) 25639-04 : Computational (Radio) Chemistry Report: (25%) Reassessment: Resubmit failed component
Other
Reading List