Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2015 - NUSC 341 D100

Introduction to Radiochemistry (3)

Class Number: 3981

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 8 – Dec 7, 2015: Mon, Wed, Fri, 9:30–10:20 a.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Dec 10, 2015
    Thu, 8:30–11:30 a.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    Completion of 60 units in a science program, including first year calculus, chemistry and physics.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Brief description of the nucleus and its decays and reactions; interaction of radiation with matter; nuclear instrumentation; radioisotopes in chemistry; activation analysis and related analytical techniques; other applications of nuclear techniques; nuclear reactors and nuclear fusion. Quantitative.

COURSE DETAILS:

Brief description of nuclear matter, properties, sources of instability, modes of decays, nuclear reactions; Interaction of ionizing radiation with matter; health physics; nuclear instrumentation; particle accelerators and radiation sources; nuclear reactors, fission and fusion, energy sources. Nuclear astrophysics and elemental synthesis.

Topics:

First 4 weeks:

  • Why do we care about nuclear science?
  • Introduction to material
  • Properties of Nuclear Matter
  • Nuclear Instability and modes of decay
  • Nuclear Force and Models
  • Kinetics of Radioactive decay
First mid-term test (one hour)

Next four weeks:
  • Interaction of radiation with matter
  • Radiation detection, counting statistics
  • Nuclear reactions
  • Accelerators
Second mid-term test (one hour)

Final weeks:
  • Uses and applications of nuclear phenomena
  • Isotopes for nuclear medicine and other applications
  • Nuclear astrophysics/elemental synthesis
  • Nuclear reactors, energy sources
  • Others topics as time permits
Invited lectures by nuclear science researchers
Description of job opportunities

Final test (three hours)

Grading

  • Two Midterm Exams 40%
  • Final Exam 40%
  • Interactive Project 20%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Choppin, Liljenzin, Rydberg & Ekberg. Radiochemistry and Nuclear Chemistry. 4th Edition. 2013. Publisher: Academic Press.

RECOMMENDED READING:

To be presented during the course:
Material and notes from an out of print book by Vance and Ekman, called Radiochemistry and nuclear methods of analysis. 

Registrar Notes:

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://students.sfu.ca/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating.  Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community.  Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS