Spring 2024 - NUSC 346 D100
Radiochemistry Laboratory (3)
Class Number: 1830
Delivery Method: In Person
Overview
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Course Times + Location:
Jan 8 – Apr 12, 2024: Mon, Fri, 10:30–11:20 a.m.
Burnaby
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Instructor:
Krzysztof Starosta
starosta@sfu.ca
1 778 782-8861
Office: SCC9041
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Prerequisites:
NUSC 341 with a minimum grade of C-.
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:
Please note, this course outline was accurate at the time of publication but is subject to change.
Mode of Teaching:
1 lecture hour/week (Mondays 10:30-11:20am); 4 lab hours/week
Lecture: In-person at Burnaby campus
Laboratory: In-person at Burnaby campus
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.
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 | Introduction to Radiation Detectors |
| 3 | Exp. 2 | Statistical Aspects of Nuclear Decay |
| 4 | Exp. 3 | Preparation of Radioactive Sources; Beta Back-Scattering |
| 5 | Exp. 4 | Self-Absorption |
| 6 | Exp. 5 | Isotope Dilution. Quantitative Determination of Zinc |
| 7 | Exp. 6 | Quantitative Determination of Cobalt |
| 8 | Exp. 7 | Fast Radiochemical Separation: Transient and Secular Equilibrium |
| 9 | Exp. 8 | Liquid Scintillation Counting and Quench Correction |
| 10 | Exp. 9 | Exchange Kinetics Through Ion-Selective Membrane Using a Radioactive Label |
| 11 | Exp. 10 | Preparation of a Thin Alpha Source |
Grading
- Laboratory Reports 85%
- Laboratory Notebook 5%
- Performance during Experimental Work 10%
NOTES:
There will be no final exam.
Materials
MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:
- Lab coats and safety glasses/goggles are mandatory for all NUSC labs.
- A laboratory manual with full descriptions of experiments will be provided.
RECOMMENDED READING:
G. Choppin, J-O. Liljenzin & J. Rydberg. Radiochemistry and Nuclear Chemistry. 4th Edition. 2013. Publisher: Academic Press.
Available free from the SFU Library: https://sfu-primo.hosted.exlibrisgroup.com/permalink/f/15tu09f/01SFUL_ALMA51348105890003611
REQUIRED READING NOTES:
Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.
Registrar Notes:
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS
SFU’s Academic Integrity website http://www.sfu.ca/students/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