Nuclear Materials, Radiation, Processes and Policy

Course aim

To extend the students knowledge and understanding of some of the laws, principles and theories of physics, and to develop an appreciation of how these laws, principles and theories operate in experimental and applied physics with a particular focus on nuclear materials, processing and handling, non ionising and ionising radiation, radiation measurement and related OH&S issues and policies.

Course content

Nuclear Physics: review of basic concepts, properties of ionising radiation, radiation detectors, models of the nucleus, theory of alpha, beta and gamma-emission, nuclear fission, nuclear fusion.

Radiation Physics: non ionising and ionising radiation, biological effects of radiation, medical treatments and health physics.

Materials, Processes and Policy: radioactive materials in industry and mineral processing, industrial radiography sources, measurement ( soil moisture, density, bore hole logging), principles of radiation protection, personal and area monitoring, transport of radioactive substances, general legal framework, South Australian regulations.

Practical Component: Measurements and instrumentation on a range of nuclear and radiation physics systems.

Textbook(s)

Giancoli C. D 2009, Physics for Scientists and Engineers with Modern Physics, 4th, Pearson Prentice Hall

Prerequisite(s)

Completion of first year calculus-based physics courses of a Bachelor of Science or Engineering degree.

Corequisite(s)

Nil

Teaching method

Note: These components may or may not be scheduled in every study period. Please refer to the timetable for further details.

Assessment

Examination, Practical reports, Quizzes (in-class assessment)

Fees

EFTSL*: 0.125
Commonwealth Supported program (Band 2)
To determine the fee for this course as part of a Commonwealth Supported program, go to:
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Fee-paying program for domestic and international students
International students and students undertaking this course as part of a postgraduate fee paying program must refer to the relevant program home page to determine the cost for undertaking this course.

Non-award enrolment
Non-award tuition fees are set by the university. To determine the cost of this course, go to:
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Not all courses are available on all of the above bases, and students must check to ensure that they are permitted to enrol in a particular course.

* Equivalent Full Time Study Load. Please note: all EFTSL values are published and calculated at ten decimal places. Values are displayed to three decimal places for ease of interpretation.