Module – Nuclear and Particle Physics

FHEQ Level: Level 6 (Third Year)
Credits: 20
Module Code: tbc
Course Reference Number (CRN): 60831
Delivery: September Start, Trimester 1 (Short Fat)

Syllabus Outline

• Nuclear Masses and Binding Energy
• Models of Nuclear Structure
• Radioactivity and Nuclear Decay
• Nuclear Fission
• Nuclear Fusion
• Particle Accelerators and Detectors
• The Standard Model
• Leptons, Quarks and Hadrons
• Fermions and Bosons
• Exchange Particles and Fundamental Interactions
• Relativity and Invariance
• The Klein Gordon Equation
• Conservation Laws and Symmetry
• Reactions and Decay

Assessment

Coursework: Assignment, 30%
Written: Examination, 3 hours, 70%
More detailed information may be found in the Assessments section.

Texts

Nuclear and Particle Physics , B Martin (2019) Wiley

Modern Particle Physics, M Thomson (2013) CUP

Further updates and supplementary texts may be found in the University Reading Lists system.

Description

You will learn about Nuclear Physics and gain an understanding of nuclear stability in terms of the Liquid Drop Model and of nuclear reactions involving neutrons, protons, electrons and neutrinos, and major experimental techniques and practical applications. The particle physics element will cover the theoretical basis of modern particle physics alongside the experimental evidence. The module is taught by a combination of lectures and problem-solving tutorials.

Aims

​1.To develop a knowledge and critical understanding in the areas of Nuclear and Particle, including the origin and limitations of the associated laws.
2. To develop a knowledge and critical understanding of mathematical techniques associated with Nuclear and Particle Physics.
3. To develop analytical, numerical and computer-based problem-solving skills in the areas of Nuclear and Particle Physics.

Knowledge & Understanding

On successful completion of this module, you will be able to:

1. Demonstrate a critical understanding of the laws and their origins in the areas of Nuclear and Particle Physics.
2. Demonstrate competence in the specification of problems using the laws of physics applied to Nuclear and Particle Physics and their analytical and numerical solution.
3. Demonstrate communication through written material.

Learning, Teaching and Assessment

The module is taught through a combination of lectures and tutorial classes.

Interactive tutorial classes will prepare students for assessments through a series of problem-solving exercises with associated formative feedback.

Assignment – An extended problem-solving exercise requiring a description and justification of methodology used together with the use of analytical and computational means to provide final solutions and a critical evaluation of the solution obtained.

Exam – A series of questions demonstrating an understanding of the topic together with application to straightforward problems that can be solved using analytical means.