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PHY-20009 - Module Specification
School of Chemical and Physical Sciences
Faculty of Natural Sciences

For academic year: 2022/23 Last Updated: 19 January 2023

PHY-20009 - Nuclear and Particle Physics
Coordinator: Raphael Hirschi Room: LJ2.09 Tel: +44 1782 7 33324
Lecture Time: See Timetable...
Level: Level 5
Credits: 15
Study Hours: 150
School Office: 01782 734921

Programme/Approved Electives for 2022/23

None

Available as a Free Standing Elective

No

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

Registration on level 2 of a degree programme in physics.

Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2022/23

The module on Nuclear and Particle Physics introduces the standard model of subatomic particles, their interactions and the associated conservation laws. It describes the binding of nuclei and introduces the shell model and collective behaviour resulting in rotational and vibrational states. Radioactive decay in the form of alpha, beta or gamma rays is described, including the decay mechanisms and selection rules. Nuclear reactions are described, with particular attention to fission and fusion reactions. The module is accompanied by laboratory classes to advance experimental skills and team work.

Aims
PHY-20009 aims to enable students to describe and explain key concepts in nuclear and particle physics, provide them with the problem solving skills required to address questions in nuclear and particle physics and carry out related numerical calculations. It also contains an element of laboratory work aimed at enhancing experimental and team working skills.

Talis Aspire Reading List
Any reading lists will be provided by the start of the course.
http://lists.lib.keele.ac.uk/modules/phy-20009/lists

Intended Learning Outcomes

describe and explain concepts and phenomena in nuclear and particle physics: 1,2,3
perform numerical calculations relevant to nuclear and particle physics: 1,2,3
execute and report on laboratory work within the context of physics: 4
work in a team on a short technical project: 4
solve problems independently: 1,2,3

Study hours

24 hours of lectures
12 hours problem classes
36 hours laboratory work
24 hours laboratory reports and problem sheets
54 hours examination revision and private study

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment

1: Unseen Exam weighted 60%
2 hour unseen exam
Section A: 10 short questions. Students to attempt all questions = worth 40% of the exam in total; Section B: A choice of 2 questions out of 4 = worth 60% of the exam in total.

2: Tutorial weighted 10%
Assessment is based on weekly attendance and engagement
Completing assigned problems on Nuclear Physics in problem classes, with assistance given as necessary.

3: Problem Sheets weighted 10%
Four problem sheets
Completing assigned problems on Nuclear Physics in own time, independently.

4: Report weighted 20%
Continuous assessment and group lab report
Assessment at the bench and as reported in laboratory diaries; accompanied by a detailed lab report describing the execution and results from an assigned group experiment.

Please note that for the 2022/23 Academic Year programmes may be adapted to operate in accordance with a flexible, digital approach. This means that there may be some changes made to how modules are delivered and assessed. The latest information will be provided to you by your School in module handbooks. We endeavour to give you as much notice as possible of any changes and details about the circumstance in which changes are made to programmes can be found in the Student Agreement, available at: https://www.keele.ac.uk/student-terms-and-conditions/

Last Updated: 19 January 2023