Course syllabus

Avancerad kärnfysik
Advanced Nuclear Physics

FKFN40, 7,5 credits, A (Second Cycle)

Valid for: 2021/22
Faculty: Faculty of Engineering, LTH
Decided by: PLED F/Pi
Date of Decision: 2021-04-23

General Information

Language of instruction: The course will be given in English

Aim

The purpose of the course is familiarise students with theoretical and experimental nuclear physics. The course will focus on nuclear structure and reactions models, experiments, and their scientific applications. Furthermore, Computational and experimental laboratories will introduce students to research methods used in modern nuclear physics.

Learning outcomes

Knowledge and understanding
For a passing grade the student must

• explain the structure of atomic nuclei with quantum mechanical models
• explain various types of nuclear reactions and transitions
• explain models of atomic nuclei and experimental methods and describe their limitations
• connect theoretical and experimental methods used in nuclear physics

Competences and skills
For a passing grade the student must

• use first quantization descriptions of atomic nuclei and their properties
• find and describe current nuclear physics research
• be able to identify key experiments to investigate selected nuclear phenomena
• have improved the capability to plan, carry out, and analyze experiments and present scientific results in oral and written form
• analyze nuclear data and carry out computer programming relevant for such work

 

Judgement and approach
For a passing grade the student must

• show an ability to assess the applicability and limitations of physical models of nuclear structure and reaction
• be able to independently acquire and assess new knowledge
• be able to evaluate experimental methods, configurations and results
• show an ability to relate nuclear physics to other areas of physical sciences

Contents

The course will include an overview of nuclear theory models for nuclear structure and reactions, and  relevant experimental configuration. In particular,

• Connection between microscopic and macroscopic properties of nuclei. For example, shell structure and modes of deformation.
• The calculation and defining operators of different nuclear transitions.
• How nuclear properties and transitions are experimentally probed through gamma spectroscopy.
• How the properties of the nucleus connect to reaction cross sections.
• Experimental setups and results of nuclear reactions such as transfer and knockout.
• Application of nuclear structure and reaction models and experimental results to the study of other systems. In particular, nuclear astrophysics and the creation of the elements.

 

Examination details

Grading scale: TH - (U,3,4,5) - (Fail, Three, Four, Five)
Assessment: The assessment is normally based on written assignments (note: hand-ins, 70% compulsory to enter final oral exam, two laboratory reports and a proof of participation for the third) and oral examination. Two opportunities for the final examination are given per academic year.

The examiner, in consultation with Disability Support Services, may deviate from the regular form of examination in order to provide a permanently disabled student with a form of examination equivalent to that of a student without a disability.

Admission

Assumed prior knowledge: FAFF10 Atomic and Nuclear Physics with Applications.
The number of participants is limited to: No
The course overlaps following course/s: FYSC12, FKF021, FKFN20

Reading list

• Krane, K.S.: Introductory Nuclear Physics. John Wiley & Sons, 1988, ISBN: 0-471-80553-X.
• Laborationshandledningar/Guides to laboratory work. Distribueras av institutionen.
• S.G. Nilsson and I. Ragnarsson: Shapes and Shells in Nuclear Structure. Cambridge Press, 1995, ISBN: 9780521019668.

Contact and other information

Course coordinator: Andrea Idini, andrea.idini@matfys.lth.se
Course coordinator: Joakim Cederkäll, Joakim.Cederkall@nuclear.lu.se
Course homepage: http://www.nuclear.lu.se/utbildning/valfria_kurser/foerdjupningskurs_i_kaernfysik/
Further information: The teaching consists of plenary lectures, group tuition, and supervision in connection with laboratory sessions and associated computer exercises. The lectures are mainly devoted to an overview of the theoretical content, experimental setups and results, including topics relevant for the laboratory sessions, and presentation of contemporary research. The lectures are accompanied by group tuition and compulsory individual problem-sheet hand-ins. The laboratory sessions involve preparatory meetings, laboratory work including computer exercises, feedback sessions, and written reports. Participation is compulsory and graded separately from the front lecture part of the course. It is mandatory to attend the introductory meeting, alternatively the first lecture, or inform the course responsible in order to be admitted to the course.