Module Details

The information contained in this module specification was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change, either during the session because of unforeseen circumstances, or following review of the module at the end of the session. Queries about the module should be directed to the member of staff with responsibility for the module.
Title ENVIRONMENTAL ASPECTS
Code PHYS812
Coordinator Prof PJ Nolan
Physics
P.J.Nolan@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2021-22 Level 7 FHEQ Whole Session 7.5

Aims

To cover environmental uses of radiation detectors and the impact of low levels of radiation on the environment.


Learning Outcomes

(LO1) Knowledge of the origins of environmental radiation and examples of where it exists in the environment

(LO2) Knowledge if methods of the detection of low levels of radiation including shielding

(LO3) The ability to use gamma and alpha counting systems in a practical laboratory for environmental samples

(S1) Problem solving skills


Syllabus

 

Radioactivity, origins and effects. Natural and man-made sources. Environmental transport models, atmospheric properties, radioactivity in the atmosphere. The food chain from soil to humans. Transport in aquatic systems. Natural radioactivity. Examples including fertilisers, building materials, fossil fuels etc. Radon; its measurement and hazards. Use of radioactivity for dating. Nuclear fuels and reprocessing, discharges into the environment. Low level radiation techniques, systems and limitations. Gamma and alpha based counting systems. Characteristation of backgrounds, shielding. Use of detection systems in several applications. There will be a visit to an environmental site to collect samples for later analysis.


Teaching and Learning Strategies

Teaching Method 1 - Lecture Description: Teaching Method 2 - Laboratory Work Description:


Teaching Schedule

  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours 5

    30

    35
Timetable (if known)              
Private Study 40
TOTAL HOURS 75

Assessment

EXAM Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
Notes
Assessment 2 There is a resit opportunity. Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. This is an anonymous assessment. Assessment Schedule (When) :n/a  1 hour    33       
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
Notes
Assessment 1 There is a resit opportunity. Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. This is not an anonymous assessment. Assessment Schedule (When) :n/a      67       

Recommended Texts

Reading lists are managed at readinglists.liverpool.ac.uk. Click here to access the reading lists for this module.