PHY-20029 - Module Specification
School of Chemical and Physical Sciences
Faculty of Natural Sciences

Programme/Approved Electives for 2024/25

Available as a Free Standing Elective

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

None

Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2024/25

In this module, you will explore the characteristics of various ionising radiations and their practical applications. We will start by covering the fundamental physics related to the emission and absorption of ionising radiation, which includes both high-energy electromagnetic waves and charged particles. You will investigate how these radiations interact with matter and learn about the techniques used for their detection. Later, we will examine the impact of ionising radiation from different sources on human health and the environment. As part of a case study, we will explore the short- and long-term effects of ionising radiation resulting from nuclear accidents like Chernobyl. Additionally, you will explore applications of ionising radiations in fields such as medical physics. This module builds upon core physics concepts from other level 4 and 5 modules, including atomic, nuclear, quantum physics, and electromagnetism.

To develop a knowledge of the different types of ionising radiations and their properties, to be able to quantify their interaction with matter and to determine how they are detected. This will be applied to the effects of radiation on matter, including their environmental effects and hazards. Applications of ionising radiation will also be covered, including their use within medical physics. The module also aims to develop problem solving and experimental skills in these topics.

Intended Learning Outcomes

Distinguish between the different types and properties of ionising radiation and understand the physics of their emission processes: 1,2
Calculate how high energy photons interact with matter, from considering a variety of atomic and electromagnetic processes and quantify how photons are subsequently absorbed in different media: 1,2
Describe and explain the physics of how charged particles interact with matter, through collisions and Coulomb scattering and quantify their subsequent effective range and stopping power in different media: 1,2
Quantify the different methods of detecting ionising radiations, including the principle of operation of radiation detectors and how these may be employed in practice: 1,2
Calculate the exposure and effective dose of different ionising radiation incident upon the human body: 1,2
Discuss the wider effects of ionising radiations, both on the human body and in the environment and interpret data from historical events, such as from the Chernobyl accident: 1,2
Apply knowledge gained about the properties of radiation to applications used within e.g. medical physics, including both the diagnostic and therapeutic uses of radiation: 1,2
Execute and report the results of laboratory work within the context of radiation physics and related physics topics: 3

Study hours

Active Learning Hours:
Lectures - 24 hrs
Tutorial - 12 hrs
Laboratory sessions - 18.5 hrs
Final Examination - 2.5 hrs
Independent Study Hours:
Laboratory portfolio - 12 hrs
Problem Sheets / assignments - 32 hrs
Self study and revision - 49 hrs

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment