Radiometrics: Instrumentation and Modelling MSc
- Programme duration: Full-time: 12 months Part-time: Up to 6 years
- Programme start: September 2022
- Entry requirements: You will need a degree in a Physical Science (or closely related subject). Relevant industrial experience can be an alternative, subject to references.

Module details
CPD Opportunities
If you are interested in attending any of the CPD modules you'll be able to book online soon. In the meantime, contact mscphys1@liverpool.ac.uk.
Compulsory modules
Basic Physics of the Atom (PHYS801)
Level | M |
---|---|
Credit level | 7 |
Semester | First Semester |
Exam:Coursework weighting | 0:100 |
Aims | To cover the background basic Atomic and Nuclear Physics necessary for Radiometrics |
Learning Outcomes |
Principles of Radiation Detection (PHYS802)
Level | M |
---|---|
Credit level | 7.5 |
Semester | Whole Session |
Exam:Coursework weighting | 33:67 |
Aims | To briefly cover the principles involved in a wide range of detectors and detection techniques. Experience the practical use of examples of all types of detectors. |
Learning Outcomes | (LO1) Knowledge of the interaction of radiation with materials (LO2) Knowledge of gas, scintillation, semiconductor and neutron detectors (LO3) Practical experience of the use of alpha, beta, gamma and neutron detectors (S1) Problem solving skills |
Simple Modelling (PHYS803)
Level | M |
---|---|
Credit level | 7.5 |
Semester | Whole Session |
Exam:Coursework weighting | 0:100 |
Aims | To introduce modelling techniques To give some basic rules for modelling the performance of a detector. To compare the results of a model with experimental measurements |
Learning Outcomes | (LO1) Knowledge of programming in a MATLAB (LO2) Modelling of some simple physical situations (LO3) Familiarity with Monte Carlo methods (LO4) Modelling of the performance of a gamma ray detector (S1) Problem solving skills |
High Resolution Gamma Spectrometry (PHYS804)
Level | M |
---|---|
Credit level | 7.5 |
Semester | Whole Session |
Exam:Coursework weighting | 33:67 |
Aims | To give a practical and theoretical knowledge of all aspects of high resolution gamma-spectrometry using germanium detectors. |
Learning Outcomes | (LO1) Knowledge of the interaction of gamma-rays with material (LO2) Knowledge of germanium detectors (construction and uses) (LO3) Familiarity of the electronics and data acquisition systems (LO4) The ability to set up and use a gamma ray spectrometer in a variety of applications (S1) Problem solving skills |
Gamma-rays: Detection and Modelling (PHYS805)
Level | M |
---|---|
Credit level | 7.5 |
Semester | Whole Session |
Exam:Coursework weighting | 0:100 |
Aims | To give a practical and theoretical knowledge of gamma ray detection using scintillation, semiconductor and gas detectors to use a modelling code to predict detector performance. |
Learning Outcomes | (LO1) Knowledge of the interaction of gamma-rays with materials (LO2) Knowledge of scintillation and semiconductor detectors (construction and uses) (LO3) The ability to set up and use scintillation and semiconductor detectors (LO4) The ability to use the MCNP code to model detector performance |
Alpha Spectrometry (PHYS806)
Level | M |
---|---|
Credit level | 7.5 |
Semester | Whole Session |
Exam:Coursework weighting | 33:67 |
Aims | To give a practical and theoretical knowledge of the identification and measurement of alpha particles using silicon detectors. |
Learning Outcomes | (LO1) Knowledge of the origin of alpha particle and the natural decay series (LO2) Knowledge of the properties of alpha particles and their interaction with materials (LO3) The ability to set up and use silicon alpha particle detectors (LO4) Awareness of sample preparation techniques (S1) Problem solving skills |
Neutrons: Detection and Modelling (PHYS807)
Level | M |
---|---|
Credit level | 7.5 |
Semester | Whole Session |
Exam:Coursework weighting | 33:67 |
Aims | To give a practical and theoretical knowledge of neutron detection using gas and scintillation detectors To use a modelling code to predict detector performance |
Learning Outcomes | (LO1) Knowledge of the interaction of neutrons with materials (LO2) Knowledge of gas and scintillation detectors (construction and uses) (LO3) The ability to set up and use neutron detectors (LO4) The ability to use the MCNP code to model detector performance (S1) Problem solving skills |
Nuclear Instruments (PHYS808)
Level | M |
---|---|
Credit level | 7.5 |
Semester | Whole Session |
Exam:Coursework weighting | 33:67 |
Aims | To give a practical and theoretical knowledge of the basic electronics and electronic instrumentation used in nuclear measurements. |
Learning Outcomes | (LO1) Knowledge of the principles of the use of electronic instrumentation for spectroscopic, count rate and timing measurements (LO2) The ability to set up and use NIM electronics for spectroscopic, count rate and timing measurements (LO3) Optimisation of the time resolution performance of spectroscopic detector systems (S1) Problem solving skills |
Statistics (PHYS809)
Level | M |
---|---|
Credit level | 7.5 |
Semester | Whole Session |
Exam:Coursework weighting | 33:67 |
Aims | To give a theoretical and practical understanding of the statistical principles involved with radiation detectors. |
Learning Outcomes | (LO1) Knowledge of experimental errors and probability distributions (LO2) The ability to use statistical methods in data analysis (LO3) The ability to apply statistical analysis to data from radiation detectors (S1) Problem solving skills |
Radiation Protection and Dosimetry (PHYS810)
Level | M |
---|---|
Credit level | 7.5 |
Semester | Whole Session |
Exam:Coursework weighting | 33:67 |
Aims | To cover the basic principles involved in radiation protection and dosimetry including biological aspects of being in a radiation environment. |
Learning Outcomes | (LO1) Knowledge of radiation dosimetry and radiation protection criteria (LO2) Knowledge of radiation monitoring systems and their uses (LO3) Knowledge of the effects of radiation and use of risk calculations (LO4) The ability to use measuring instruments in a variety of applications (S1) Problem solving skills |
Environmental Aspects (PHYS812)
Level | M |
---|---|
Credit level | 7.5 |
Semester | Whole Session |
Exam:Coursework weighting | 33:67 |
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 |
Radiation Shielding (PHYS820)
Level | M |
---|---|
Credit level | 7.5 |
Semester | Whole Session |
Exam:Coursework weighting | 0:100 |
Aims | To introduce the subject of radiation shielding and illustrate solutions to the particle transport equation in the context of Monte Carlo and deterministic transport codes. Simple shielding methods will be compared with sophisticated complex calculations in order to familiarise students with the essential concepts. As well as the core material, the course has four external lecturers who are experts in their respective fields. The use of Monte Carlo and Deterministic Codes will be presented in the context of industry needs and requirements. Shielding applications and the shielding design process will be discussed. |
Learning Outcomes | (LO1) Demonstrate an understanding of the Particle Transport equation and the transport codes and methodologies used to solve it. (LO2) Understand and be able to evaluate a shielding scenario using simple shielding methods. (LO3) Demonstrate an understanding of the Monte Carlo and Deterministic methods and they are applied to radiation shielding calculations. (LO4) Understand the systematic process that must be followed in order to design shielding to adequately protect those working with ionising radiation. (LO5) Have an understanding of how the range of shielding solutions is consistent with common principles of radiation physics and radiological protection. |
Applied High Resolution Gamma Spectrometry (PHYS824)
Level | M |
---|---|
Credit level | 7.5 |
Semester | Whole Session |
Exam:Coursework weighting | 0:0 |
Aims | To carry out further detailed work on aspects of high resolution gamma spectrometry |
Learning Outcomes | (LO1) A more detailed knowledge of some aspects of high resolution gamma spectrometry. |
Applied Gamma Ray: Detection and Modelling (PHYS825)
Level | 1 |
---|---|
Credit level | 7.5 |
Semester | Whole Session |
Exam:Coursework weighting | 0:100 |
Aims | To carry out further detailed work on aspects of gamma ray detection and modelling. |
Learning Outcomes | (LO1) A more detailed knowledge of some aspects of gamma ray detection and modelling in an applied context. |
Applied Alpha Spectrometry (PHYS826)
Level | M |
---|---|
Credit level | 7.5 |
Semester | Whole Session |
Exam:Coursework weighting | 0:100 |
Aims | To carry out further detailed investigative work on an alpha spectrometry problem. |
Learning Outcomes | (LO1) A more detailed knowledge of some aspects of alpha spectrometry. (S1) Problem solving skills |
Applied Neutrons: Detection and Modelling (PHYS827)
Level | M |
---|---|
Credit level | 7.5 |
Semester | Whole Session |
Exam:Coursework weighting | 0:100 |
Aims | To carry out further detailed work on aspects of neutron detection. |
Learning Outcomes | (LO1) A more detailed knowledge of the detection of neutrons in an industry application. |
Applied Nuclear Instrumentation (PHYS828)
Level | M |
---|---|
Credit level | 7.5 |
Semester | Whole Session |
Exam:Coursework weighting | 0:100 |
Aims | To carry out further detailed work on aspects of nuclear instrumentation. |
Learning Outcomes | (LO1) A more detailed knowledge of the uses of nuclear instrumentation with detector systems. |
Applied Statistics (PHYS829)
Level | M |
---|---|
Credit level | 7.5 |
Semester | Whole Session |
Exam:Coursework weighting | 0:100 |
Aims | To carry out further detailed work on aspects of the use of statistics in nuclear counting systems. |
Learning Outcomes | (LO1) A more detailed knowledge of the use of statistics in applications in the nuclear industry. |
Applied Statistics (PHYS829)
Level | M |
---|---|
Credit level | 7.5 |
Semester | Whole Session |
Exam:Coursework weighting | 0:100 |
Aims | To carry out further detailed work on aspects of the use of statistics in nuclear counting systems. |
Learning Outcomes | (LO1) A more detailed knowledge of the use of statistics in applications in the nuclear industry. |
Applied Radiation Protection and Dosimetry (PHYS830)
Level | M |
---|---|
Credit level | 7.5 |
Semester | Whole Session |
Exam:Coursework weighting | 0:100 |
Aims | To carry out further detailed work on aspects of radiation protection and dosimetry. |
Learning Outcomes |
Applied Environmental Aspects (PHYS832)
Level | M |
---|---|
Credit level | 7.5 |
Semester | Whole Session |
Exam:Coursework weighting | 0:100 |
Aims | To carry out further detailed work on environmental aspects on nuclear radiation. |
Learning Outcomes | (LO1) A more detailed knowledge of the detection systems needed for environmental measurements. |
Radiation Shielding Assignment (PHYS840)
Level | M |
---|---|
Credit level | 7.5 |
Semester | Whole Session |
Exam:Coursework weighting | 0:100 |
Aims | To introduce the subject of radiation shielding and illustrate solutions to the particle transport equation in the context of Monte Carlo and deterministic transport codes. Simple shielding methods will be compared with sophisticated complex calculations in order to familiarise students with the essential concepts. As well as the core material, the course has four external lecturers who are experts in their respective fields. The use of Monte Carlo and Deterministic Codes will be presented in the context of industry needs and requirements. Shielding applications and the shielding design process will be discussed. |
Learning Outcomes | (LO1) Demonstrate an understanding of the Particle Transport equation and the transport codes and methodologies used to solve it. (LO2) Understand and be able to evaluate a shielding scenario using simple shielding methods. (LO3) Demonstrate an understanding of the Monte Carlo and Deterministic methods and they are applied to radiation shielding calculations. (LO4) Understand the systematic process that must be followed in order to design shielding to adequately protect those working with ionising radiation. |
Dissertation for the Pg Diploma in Radiometrics (PHYS842)
Level | M |
---|---|
Credit level | 30 |
Semester | First Semester |
Exam:Coursework weighting | 0:0 |
Aims | To write a disertation on a radiometrics topic. To apply the radiometrics knowledge gained during the programme to a problem not involving practical work. |
Learning Outcomes |
Project (PHYS841)
Level | M |
---|---|
Credit level | 60 |
Semester | Whole Session |
Exam:Coursework weighting | 0:100 |
Aims | To carry out a practical project on a radiometrics topics. To apply the radiometrics knowledge gained during the programme to a practical problem. |
Learning Outcomes | (LO1) The ability to solve a problem using the knowledge gained during the programme The ability to make detailed measurements using radiometrics instrumentation or techniques The ability to analyse a large data set and draw conclusions Experience in presenting the results in a detailed report |
Dissertation for the MSc in Radiometrics (PHYS843)
Level | M |
---|---|
Credit level | 15 |
Semester | Whole Session |
Exam:Coursework weighting | 0:100 |
Aims | To write a short dissertation on a radiometrics topic. To apply the radiometrics knowledge gained in more than one radiometrics module to a problem not involving practical work. |
Learning Outcomes | (LO1) The ability to solve a problem using the knowledge gained during more than one module. The ability to make a literature survey to find the required information. Experience in presenting the results in a detailed report. |