Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2017 - NUSC 346 LA01

Radiochemistry Laboratory (2)

Class Number: 3306

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 4 – Apr 7, 2017: Fri, 1:30–5:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    NUSC 341.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Introduction to the techniques of radiochemistry; proportional and Geiger counters; sample preparations and half-life measurement; synthesis and separation of labelled compounds; beta and gamma-ray spectroscopy. Quantitative.

COURSE DETAILS:

4 lab hours/week

General Course Description: Introduction to the techniques of radiochemistry; counting techniques, sample preparations and half-life measurements; use of radioactive tracers; alpha, beta and gamma-ray spectroscopy; techniques related to nuclear processes (Mössbauer and X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy).

Topics:
Students are required to perform the first nine experiments listed below. The last two experiments consist of lecture/demonstration and some data collection in groups. A written report corresponding to each experiment is to be submitted within two weeks of performance of that experiment.

Week Experiment Topics
1 No Exp. Radiation Safety - Information Session
2 Exp. 1 Statistical Aspects of Nuclear Decay
3 Exp. 2 Preparation of Radioactive Sources; Beta Back-Scattering
4 Exp. 3 Self-Absorption
5 Exp. 4 Isotope Dilution. Quantitative Determination of Zinc
6 Exp. 5 Quantitative Determination of Cobalt
7 Exp. 6 Fast Radiochemical Separation: Transient and Secular Equilibrium
8 Exp. 7 Liquid Scintillation Counting and Quench Correction
9 Exp. 8 Exchange Kinetics Through Ion-Selective Membrane Using a Radioactive Label
10    Exp. 9 Preparation of a Thin Alpha Source
11 Exp. 10 X-ray Fluorescence Spectroscopy (group experiment)
12 Exp. 11 Mössbauer Spectroscopy (lecture/demonstration)

Grading

  • Laboratory Reports 85%
  • Laboratory Notebook 5%
  • Performance during Experimental Work 10%

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

A laboratory manual with full descriptions of experiements will be provided.

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