Course syllabus

Kärnfysik, fördjupningskurs
Nuclear Physics, Advanced Course

FKFN20, 7,5 credits, A (Second Cycle)

Valid for: 2020/21
Decided by: PLED F/Pi
Date of Decision: 2020-04-01

General Information

Elective for: F4, F4-aft
Language of instruction: The course will be given in English

Aim

The course is the first advanced course in the direction of subatomic physics. The course is based on an introductory course in nuclear physics (e.g. FAFF10) and is intended to give a deeper insight in the physics of the atomic nucleus and in addition a brief introduction to particle physics. Treated subjects are models of the nucleus, decay processes and nuclear reactions. The course has muliple connections to ongoing research within basic and applied nuclear physics at Lund University.

Learning outcomes

Knowledge and understanding
For a passing grade the student must

• have detailed knowledge about the physics of the atomic nucleus
• be able to explain different quantum mechanical models describing the nucleus
• have an understanding of the quantum mechanical description of the decay process
• have an understanding of the quantum mechanical description of nuclear reactions.

Competences and skills
For a passing grade the student must

• have an understanding of applications of quantum mechanical methods for analysis and calculation in nuclear physics.
• have developed the ability to analyze and combine different parts of the course content for a deeper understanding of the atomic nucleus, represented by a many-body system.
• have improved the ability to present experimentally achieved results in written form and orally.

Contents

Theory of the nuclear force and the structure of the nucleons. Nuclear models. Radioactive decay, alpha-, beta- and gamma-emission. Nuclear reactions. Fission and fusion. Neutron detection and ESS. Nuclear reactors. Astrophysical aspects of nuclear physics. Nuclear spectroscopy.

Individual specialized project with seminar. Laboratory work with connections to ongoing research.

Examination details

Grading scale: TH - (U,3,4,5) - (Fail, Three, Four, Five)
Assessment: Oral examination conditioned with passed hand-in exercises, laboratory works and reports. Passed specialized seminar. Laboratories are conducted in groups. It is mandatory to attend the introductory meeting, alternatively the first lecture, in order to be admitted to the course.

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

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.

Contact and other information

Course coordinator: Professor Dirk Rudolph, dirk.rudolph@nuclear.lu.se
Course homepage: http://www.nuclear.lu.se/utbildning/valfria_kurser/foerdjupningskurs_i_kaernfysik/
Further information: Teaching is conducted by means of lectures, problem solving sessions, and laboratories. The course is co-ordinated with the corresponding course at the Faculty of Science (nuclear physics, FYSC12). It is mandatory to attend the introductory meeting, alternatively the first lecture, in order to be admitted to the course.