2014/15 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

PHYS3542 Nuclear and Particle Physics

15 creditsClass Size: 115

Module manager: Prof Rene Oudmaijer
Email: r.d.oudmaijer@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2014/15

Pre-requisite qualifications

Level 2 Physics or equivalent

Module replaces

PHYS 3541 Nuclear and Particle Physics

This module is not approved as a discovery module

Objectives

TThis module introduces in depth the concepts of nuclear physics and particle physics. It is a basis for further study in particle physics, astrophysics, detector physics and other areas of science and technology, which require elementary knowledge of nuclear and particle physics concepts.

Learning outcomes
Students should be able to explain the basic concepts of nuclear and particle physics and apply them to solve related problems. Specifically students should be able to: explain the properties of atomic nuclei (size, charge, mass and binding energy); describe nuclear decays (alpha, beta, and gamma); and explain the interactions of charged particles and photons with matter.

In addition they should be able to manipulate relativistic wave equations, explain the gauge principle, discuss neutrino oscillations and CP violation.

Syllabus

Properties of nuclei (size, charge, shape, masses & binding energy), Radiactive Decays: Alpha, Beta and Gamma decays, particle interactions with matter: ionisation, bremsstrahlung, Cherenkov, photo, and Compton effect, pair production. Relativistic wave equations (Klein-Gordon and Dirac), Gauge invariance, the gauge principle and gauge theories, the Higgs mechanism, neutrinos, the neutral Kaon system and CP violation

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Lecture	22	1.00	22.00
Tutorial	3	1.00	3.00
Private study hours			125.00
Total Contact hours			25.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			150.00

Private study

Revise lectures;
read around material in recommended books;
practise problem solving.

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Weekly homeworks (non-assessed), tutorials

Methods of assessment

Exams

Exam type	Exam duration	% of formal assessment
Standard exam (closed essays, MCQs etc)	2 hr 30 mins	100.00
Total percentage (Assessment Exams)		100.00

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Reading list

There is no reading list for this module

Last updated: 27/03/2015

Disclaimer

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