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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 Nuclear and Particle Physics
Code PHYS204
Coordinator Professor S Burdin
Physics
S.Burdin@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2025-26 Level 5 FHEQ First Semester 15

Aims

To introduce Rutherford and related scattering; to introduce nuclear size, mass and decay modes; to provide some applications and examples of nuclear physics; to introduce particle physics, including interactions, reactions and decay; to show some recent experimental discoveries; to introduce relativistic 4-vectors for applications to collision problems.

Learning Outcomes

(LO1) Describe the process of scattering of alpha-particles, electrons, and neutrons on nuclei, identifying key principles and experimental observations.

(LO2) Explain the fundamental principles governing nuclear size, mass, and decay modes.

(LO3) Identify and explain key examples of nuclear physics applications and relate them to underlying principles

(LO4) Summarise the basic properties of particles and their interactions, using appropriate scientific terminology.

(LO5) Apply conservation laws to analyse and predict outcomes in particle decays and reactions.

(LO6) Apply relativistic 4-vectors to formulate and solve fundamental problems in relativistic kinematics

(LO7) Construct simple Feynman diagrams to represent particle interactions and processes.

(LO8) Outline the principles underlying neutrino oscillations, discuss the evidence for dark matter, and summarize the key goals and discoveries at the Large Hadron Collider.

(S1) Problem solving

(S2) Collaborative learning

Syllabus
 

Nuclear Physics:-
Sizes and masses of nuclei
Scattering of alpha-particles, electrons and neutrons on nuclei
Binding energy
Liquid drop model
Semi-empirical mass formula
Nuclear stability
Nuclear decays
Nuclear Processes and Applications
Nucleosynthesis

Particle Physics:-
Introduction
Standard model of elementary particles
Leptons
Quarks and hadrons
Interactions: electromagnetic, weak, strong
Feynman Diagrams
Particle decays, widths and reactions
Introduction to 4-vectors
Relativistic Collisions
Neutrino masses and oscillations
Structure of the proton
Discovery of Higgs
Search for dark matter

Teaching and Learning Strategies

Teaching Method 1 –Lectures (1 x 2hr per week).
Description: Lectures in person.

Teaching Method 2 –Workshops (1 x 2hr per week).
Description: Problem classes in person.

Asynchronous learning materials (notes/videos/exercises etc) will be made available to students through the VLE.

Teaching Schedule
  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours     24

     24

 48
Timetable (if known)              
Private Study 102
TOTAL HOURS 150

Assessment
EXAM Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
In person, closed book, time-controlled examination - There is a resit opportunity.  0    80       
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
Problem Classes - second half of the semester. Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. This is not an anonymous assessment.  0    10       
Problem Classes - first half of the semester. Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. This is not an anonymous assessment.  0    10       

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