The course offers an introduction to nuclear radioactivity, describing the main mechanisms and their impacts in all-day life applications: from energy production, through dating with radionuclides, to medical diagnostic and therapy. The course will deal with the theory at the base of radioactivity, but also laboratory activities are foreseen. Eventually, seminars on exotic decay modes and frontiers physics cases will be given by researchers.
J. S. Lilley, Nuclear physics: principles and application , John Wiey & Sons
Samuel S. M. Wong, Introductory Nuclear Physics, John Wiley & Sons
Kenneth S. Krane, Introductory Nuclear Physics, John Wiley & Sons
Learning Objectives
The aim of the course is to provide instruments to understand the phenomenon of nuclear radioactivity, its principles, and its origins. In addition, recent developments and physics cases will be presented. The course is open to all the curricula, in particular well suited for those who want to start an academic, or private sector, journey related to nuclear physics, particle physics, astronuclear physics, medical physics, and applied physics. Topics are treated in order to be comprehensible by a bachelor student.
Prerequisites
None
Teaching Methods
Lectures and laboratory activites.
Type of Assessment
The final exam consists of a seminar talk given by the students on topics suggested by the professors in agreement with the student wishes. At the end of the presentation, general questions, but still related to the seminar talk, will be asked.
Course program
Introduction to nuclear radioactivity and atomic nucleus properties.
Theory of nuclear decay: radioactive decay laws, production, and decay, Bateman equations. Carbon-14 dating.
Introduction to the theory of alpha, beta, and gamma decay and their impact on society.
First laboratory experience: measurement of nuclear spin by means of high-energy photons (gamma rays).
Second laboratory experience: measurement with particle accelerator at INFN-LABEC.
Seminars are given by national and international researchers on modern and frontier nuclear physics cases.