Course syllabus for Subatomic physics

Course syllabus adopted 2024-01-31 by Head of Programme (or corresponding).

Overview

  • Swedish nameSubatomär fysik
  • CodeFUF050
  • Credits6 Credits
  • OwnerTKTFY
  • Education cycleFirst-cycle
  • Main field of studyEngineering Physics
  • ThemeEnvironment 1.5 c
  • DepartmentPHYSICS
  • GradingTH - Pass with distinction (5), Pass with credit (4), Pass (3), Fail

Course round 1

  • Teaching language Swedish
  • Application code 57128
  • Maximum participants130
  • Block schedule
  • Open for exchange studentsNo
  • Only students with the course round in the programme overview.

Credit distribution

0106 Examination 6 c
Grading: TH
0 c0 c6 c0 c0 c0 c

In programmes

Examiner

Eligibility

General entry requirements for bachelor's level (first cycle)
Applicants enrolled in a programme at Chalmers where the course is included in the study programme are exempted from fulfilling the requirements above.

Specific entry requirements

The same as for the programme that owns the course.
Applicants enrolled in a programme at Chalmers where the course is included in the study programme are exempted from fulfilling the requirements above.

Course specific prerequisites

Quantum physics F3

Aim

Subatomic physics covers the area of physics that describes the composition of the atomic nucleus as well as its properties and interaction with matter. The subject, earlier known as nuclear physics, has been enlarged to contain the interface between nuclear and particle physics and also nuclear astrophysics. World-wide intensive research activities are going on both theoretically and experimentally. Based on the knowledge of quantum physics acquired in earlier courses the aim of the course is to give an introduction to the subatomic part of modern physics.

Learning outcomes (after completion of the course the student should be able to)

After completing the course, the student should be able to analyze, synthesize, and describe subatomic phenomena. The student is expected to demonstrate subject-specific competence focused on an integrated view within theoretical modeling, experimental techniques, and problem-solving, as well as the ability to interpret nuclear spectroscopic measurement data, and perform model calculations related to:

  • Nuclear size and mass
  • Nuclear stability
  • Nuclear reactions
  • Radioactive decay
  • Nuclear properties such as total angular momentum, electrical and magnetic characteristics
  • Electroweak and strong interaction processes

An overview of the processes behind radioactive nuclear decay and the interaction of radiation with matter contributes to deeper knowledge within sustainable development and the environment.

Content

The most important sections of the course are radius and mass, nuclear stability, radioactivity, alpha- and beta-decay, gamma emission, nuclear reactions, fission, fusion, nuclear models, elementary particles, nuclear astrophysics and experimental techniques. The course also includes an element of critical and effective reading of technically advanced literature.

Organisation

Teaching is mediated in lectures, problem solving sessions and laboratory work. The laboratory exercises normally include beta spectroscopy, coincidence measurements and neutron activation of silver.

Literature

Communicated minimum two weeks ahead of course

Examination including compulsory elements

Written examination, three laboratory experiments, and voluntary assignments in the form of written reports. The reports can give bonus points.

The course examiner may assess individual students in other ways than what is stated above if there are special reasons for doing so, for example if a student has a decision from Chalmers on educational support due to disability.