GENU2001-1 : Introduction to nuclear physics and measurements

Study Programmes 2015-2016

GENU2001-1

Introduction to nuclear physics and measurements

Duration :

24,5h Th, 6h Pr

Number of credits :

Specialised master in nuclear engineering		3

Lecturer :

N...

Language(s) of instruction :

English language

Organisation and examination :

Teaching in the first semester, review in January

Units courses prerequisite and corequisite :

Prerequisite or corequisite units are presented within each program

Course contents :

Nuclear properties (nuclear radius; mass and abundance of nuclides; nuclear binding
energy; nuclear exited states)
Elementary introduction to nuclear models (drop, shell & collective models)
Radioactive decay: radioactive decay law, radioactive mother-daughter chains, natural
radioactive chains, types of radioactive decay, units of radioactivity
Alpha decay
Beta decay
Gamma decay
Types of nuclear reactions: compound nucleus, threshold reactions, concept of cross
section
Interaction of neutrons with matter; general considerations (elastic & inelastic scattering; thermalisation, radiative capture, ...)
Theory of nuclear fission, controlled chain reaction, physical principles of fission reactors

Learning outcomes of the course :

To learn and understand the basic properties of a nucleus
To understand the role of conservation laws in decay processes and reactions
To learn the principles of nuclear physics related to fission and fusion.

Prerequisite knowledge and skills :

Bachelor level lectures on physics, mechanics, mathematics.
REFERENCE BOOKS ON PREREQUISITE
See website www.sckcen.be/bnen
Brochures and Info Background books W.
D'haeseleer (mathematics)

Planned learning activities and teaching methods :

Mode of delivery (face-to-face ; distance-learning) :

1 t.m. (3 ECTS ; 24h contact, including 1 seminar and exercise)
SCK*CEN guidance: 10 hours lab (included in "Radiation protection and measurements")