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 PHYSICS
Code PHYS375
Coordinator Dr DT Joss
Physics
David.Joss@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2016-17 Level 6 FHEQ First Semester 7.5

Aims
  • To build on the second year module involving Nuclear Physics
  • To develop an understanding of the modern view of nuclei, how they are modelled and of nuclear decay processes

Learning Outcomes

At the end of the module the student should have:

  • Knowledge of evidence for the shell model of nuclei, its development and the successes and failures of the model in explaining nuclear properties

Knowledge of the collective vibrational and rotational models of nuclei

Basic knowledge of nuclear decay processes, alpha decay and fission, of gamma-ray transitions and internal conversion

Knowledge of electromagnetic transitions in nuclei

Syllabus
1  1

Bulk properties of nuclei

  • Nuclear constituents, the nuclear chart
  • Mass, binding energy, the liquid-drop model
  • Separation energy, reaction Q-value
  • Nuclear size, cross section, charge distribution

Nuclear instability

  • Nuclear energy surface, valley of stability, drip lines
  • Isobaric disintegrations: beta-decay and electron capture
  • Alpha-decay and fission
  • Other decay modes

The nuclear interaction

  • Strong intensity, short range, the nuclear potential
  • Isospin, charge independence
  • Di-nucleon states
  • Spin dependence
  • Charge exchange
  • Isobaric analogue states

Nuclear structure models

  • The nuclear many-body problem
  • Single-particle model: the mean field
  • The spherical nuclear shell-model
  • Collective structure of nuclei: vibrational and rotational models

Electromagnetic nuclear properties

  • Electromagnetic nuclear moments
  • Electromagnetic radiation - gamma-decay
  • Weisskopf estimates
  • Internal conversion


Teaching and Learning Strategies

Lecture -

Tutorial -


Teaching Schedule
  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours 16

   2

       18
Timetable (if known)              
Private Study 57
TOTAL HOURS 75

Assessment
EXAM Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
Unseen Written Exam  1 1/2 hours  1  100  Yes  Standard UoL penalty applies  Assessment 1 Notes (applying to all assessments) Written Examination  
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
             

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