Motivation

-  Nuclear physics studies atomic nuclei and reactions among them. Nuclear science seeks to explain, at the most fundamental level, the origin, evolution, and structure of the visible matter of the universe.  Nuclear processes and matter play a fundamental role in the physical world, including: fundamental interactions (all four fundamental forces act in the nucleus); the constituents and structure of visible matter (Universe visible to us consist essentially of space and nuclei); nuclear reactions in the Early Universe; and stellar nucleosynthesis.

-  Nucleus is an A-body, complex quantum mechanical system of interacting nucleons; its theoretical description required developing new concepts in description of physical processes.  Nuclear models use QM formalism developed for atom, but the structure and behaviour of nuclei are more complex, so that various nuclear models are in use to interpret different classes of nuclear phenomena.  Future goals are a universal model of the nucleus based on the many-body QM theory applied to interacting nucleons (currently possible for light nuclei), and a more fundamental theory based on interacting quarks.    

-  Nuclei are involved in a wide variety of pure and applied research, hence nuclear physics overlaps with various fields of science.  Radioactivity and nuclear physics play a role in science, technology, medicine, industry, art, and other fields.  A wide range of applications includes radioactive dating, radioactive tracing, analytical techniques (NAA, NRA, ERD, HFI, ...), imaging techniques (MRI, PET, SPECT, CAT), medical diagnostics and treatment, and power generation.  With the emission-free nature of nuclear power, safely operating nuclear power reactors should be part of the solution to global warming and pollution.

Specific goals of this course

1. •to gain an understanding of structure, processes, and theoretical descriptions of the nucleus
   

2. •to learn about radioactivity, theories of radioactive decay, nuclear reactions, and interaction of radiation with matter
   

3. •to explore a range of applications of nuclear processes and techniques in the modern world
   

Course organization

Textbook:  B.R. Martin, Nuclear and Particle Physics: An Introduction (J. Wiley 2009)

                   Chapters 1, 2, 4, 7, 8, 9 , and Appendices A, B, C, E.

The course shall follow the material of the textbook, as listed above.  Some material from other sources shall be added, for illustration/clarification or to add a relevant topic. Some sections of the textbook will be left for students to read on their own.  There is lots of internet material relevant to this class, and some lectures shall have assigned web reading. The slides shown in class intend to summarize and illustrate the course material, and shall be available in pdf format.  

 

Tables of nuclear data and physical constants can be found in the course textbook (B.R. Martin), other textbooks (see below), and on-line, see page Useful links of this webpage for hints.

Other recommended books (NOT compulsory, but might be useful):

1. 1. The following two books are in the UVic’s library, reserved section:
   

2. -K.S. Krane, Introductory Nuclear Physics (J. Wiley 1986); provides a comprehensive        coverage of theory and experiment at introductory level, written in a very accessible way
   

3. - J.S. Lilley, Nuclear Physics; Principles and Applications (J. Wiley 2001-2008); reviews basics of nuclear physics (briefly, part 1), and a range of applications (thoroughly, part 2).
   

2. 2.A simpler version of the course material, which might be useful for some of you as introductory reading, is covered in relevant chapters of any Modern Physics textbook, e.g., K. Krane (2012) or R.A. Serway e.a. (2005 or later).
   

3. 3.There are many books relevant to specific topics of this course, some of which are listed on the course website, page Useful Links.   
   

Assignments and midterms:  There will be several homework assignments on a weekly basis, due in the class, typically one week after the issue date, unless specified otherwise.  Submission one day late shall have 25% penalty.  Submissions more than one day late shall receive no credit.   No make-up midterms nor make-up assignment.  There will be a research project to be prepared on individually assigned topics and presented at the poster session. 

Policy on collaboration:  You may discuss homework problems with your classmates, but you are then expected to work on the assigned problems on your own.  All work that you hand in must be your own and it must be clear from it that you understand what you are presenting.

Grading scheme and posting:  The final grade shall be a composite of grades for homework assignments, midterm (one or two), research project, and the final exam, approximately 20%-20%-20%-40%.  If you miss many classes the value of your final grade might be reduced by up to 10%.   Grades shall be posted on this webpage using the students’ numbers in numerical order, without the names: please let me know if you want to opt out of this arrangement.    UVic’s standard conversion of percentage scores to letter grades is: 

A+ >89 (exceptional),  A 85-89 (outstanding),  A- 80-84 (excellent),   B+ 77-79 (very good),    B 73-76 (good),  B- 70-72 (solid), C+ 65-69 (satisfactory),  C 60-64 (minimally satisfactory),   D 50-59 (marginal),  F < 50 (unsatisfactory),  N Not Completed.