Description

This module is an introduction to nuclear and particle physics.

This is a Physics Core module taken at a study-abroad host institutions. The module(s) at the host institution that contribute to this module must be approved by the Stage 3 Study Abroad Co-ordinator.

Module Aims

Investigations of the atomic nucleus and, of the fundamental forces that determine nuclear structure, offer fascinating insights into the nature of the physical world. The tools for probing these systems are high-energy particle accelerators and, more recently, colliding-beam systems. This module, aims to give students a broad overview of the subject matter, and encouragement to seek further information.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

A student who has passed this module should be able to:

• Module Specific Skills and Knowledge:
  1. describe the key properties of the atomic nucleus and explain these properties with the aid of an underlying theoretical framework;
  2. identify sequences of particles as energy excitations of a ground state;
  3. identify the quantum numbers that distinguish these sequences and use their conservation to analyse production processes;
  4. state the relevant conservation laws and use them in analysing meson decays;
  5. describe the basic weak interaction processes and the significant experiments that elucidate the nature of these;
  6. describe the quark model and be able to construct the quark composition of particles;
  7. explain the significance of symmetry to the multiplet structure of elementary particles;
  8. solve problems on topics included in the syllabus;
• Discipline Specific Skills and Knowledge:
  9. identify significant applications which make use of nuclear physics, and explain the role of nuclear physics in these applications;
• Personal and Key Transferable / Employment Skills and Knowledge:
  10. adapt to and learn from the educational frameworks and conventions of an overseas university.

Syllabus Plan

The syllabus should match, as far as reasonably practical, the contents of PHY3052 (Nuclear and High-Energy Particle Physics) and must satisfy Institute of Physics Accreditation requirements and must not duplicate modules that have already been taken, or will be taken in the future, as part of the degree.

1. Nuclear Physics
   1. Nuclear models and nuclear properties; detection methods.
   2. Radioactive decay (α, β, γ).
   3. Nuclear reactions, fission and fusion.
   4. Leptons, nucleons, hadrons, quarks and baryons; symmetries and groups.
2. High-Energy Physics
   1. QED
      Relativistic quantum theory of electromagnetic interactions; antiparticles, electrodynamics of spinless particles, Dirac equation, electrodynamics of spin-1/2 particles.
   2. Partons
      Structure of hadrons, gluons.
   3. QCD
      Relativistic quantum theory of the strong interactions of quarks and gluons.
   4. Weak-interactions
      General structure, non-conservation of parity, massive neutrinos, neutrino experiments. Inverse β-decay. Two-neutrino experiment. CP violation in β-decay.
   5. Gauge symmetries
      Gauge bosons.

Learning and Teaching

Learning Activities and Teaching Methods

Assessment

Notes: Assessment assignment patterns follow the conventions of the host institution. The above entries are only indicative of typical arrangements. Grades awarded by overseas institutions are converted to Exeter grades using the conversion procedures described in the Physics Handbook

Resources

The following list is offered as an indication of the type & level of information that students are expected to consult. Further guidance will be provided by the Module Instructor(s).

Core text:

• Not applicable

Supplementary texts:

• Not applicable

ELE:

• http://newton.ex.ac.uk/redirects/ELE/phy3215

Further Information

Prior Knowledge Requirements

Re-assessment

Re-assessment is not available except when required by referral or deferral.

Notes: Re-assessment arrangements follow the conventions of the host institution

KIS Data Summary

Miscellaneous