Introduction To Nuclear Science

The impact of nuclear science in Australia is broad ranging and spans diverse public agencies and private industries relating to national security, the environment and biomedicine.Using a combination of self-study, lectures and interactive sessions, this Micro-credential from ANU offers an introduction to the building blocks of visible matter in the Universe.Studied in a graduate level learning environment, thisMicro-credential aims to develop a deeper understanding of atomic nuclei,radioactive decay processes, and radiation detection methods.You will discover the fundamental forces that bind the heart of the atom together, as well as theoretical frameworks that are used to describe and predict their behaviour. You will also explore the practical aspects of nuclear technology and measurement techniques, and their applications in industry. Part of the offering will be hosted at the Australian Heavy Ion Accelerator Facility. Here, you will undertake a hands-on introduction to nuclear measurement techniques with real-world research equipment.In the context of the wide application of nuclear techniques,this micro-credential aims to introduce students to the key concepts in nuclear physics. These include:Fundamental nuclear properties.Nuclear binding energy and stability.Nuclear transmutation and radioactive decay processes.Exponential decay law and secular equilibrium.Nuclear reactions, including fission and fusion.Basic nuclear models and understanding nuclear data.Learning outcomesUpon successful completion, participants will have the knowledge and skills to:Explain basic properties of atomic nuclei and the forces that bind them.Recognize common types of nuclear reactions and radioactive decay.Explain the origin and properties of radiation emitted by unstable nuclei.Identify and interpret key characteristics in nuclear data.Interrogate web-based nuclear databases as tools for problem solving.Indicative assessmentAssignment 1: Exercise problems 40%; LO1-3Assignment 2: Measurement activity on radioactive decay half-lives; 60%; LO4,5DetailsWorkload: 21 hoursContact hours: 7 hoursIndividual study and assessment: 14 hoursANU unit value: 1 unitAQF Level: 8