Learning outcomes

As part of the Competency-Based Approach, students will be trained in the following critical skills.
Modelling a phenomenon in physics
The student will be confronted with various nuclear physics models, which are relatively simple, but which make it possible to explain numerous properties of nuclei. They will take part in the development of these models, in particular by drawing on analogies with physics concepts covered elsewhere. They will need to understand each model, and correctly grasp the limits and complementarities between them.

Goals

At the end of the course, students will be able to:

  • understand the composition of the nuclei of the elements that make up our universe;
  • explain the properties of nuclei on the basis of different nuclear models;
  • understand the phenomenon of radioactivity, be able to explain the different types of decay and be able to give some applications (e.g. radioactive dating methods; production of radioisotopes for medical use);
  • understand the concept of nuclear reactions and be able to describe some of their applications (e.g. production of nuclear energy; characterisation of materials).

Table of contents

  1. Historical introduction to Nuclear Physics
  2. Rutherford's formalism
  3. The size and shape of nuclei
  4. The liquid drop model
  5. Radioactivity
  6. Nuclear reactions and the compound nucleus model
  7. The nuclear shell model
  8. Towards particle physics

Exercices

The practical sessions (TD) associated with this course are supervised by a teaching assistant and aim to apply the theoretical concepts covered in class through the analysis of concrete cases and real-world applications.

These sessions focus in particular on:

  • using Rutherford’s formalism for material characterisation;
  • producing radioisotopes for medical imaging purposes;
  • applying radioactivity principles for radiometric dating;
  • using decay laws for radiation protection;
  • understanding the operation of a pressurised water reactor (PWR);
  • predicting nuclear spin and parity based on nuclear models.


Teaching methods

Lecture and exercises

Assessment method

The assessment for this course unit takes place during the exam session, in the form of an open-book oral exam. Each student is given preparation time to answer two open-ended questions, drawn at random, which they then present orally. These questions are designed to evaluate the student’s understanding of the fundamental concepts covered in the course, as well as their ability to apply them meaningfully to real-world situations.

Emphasis is placed on the clarity of reasoning, the ability to connect the various models studied, and the scientific rigor of the argumentation. This is a single, joint examination conducted by the instructors responsible for both the theoretical lectures and the practical sessions.

Sources, references and any support material

  1. Histoire de la radioactivité, l'évolution d'un concept et de ses applications (René Bimbot - Vuibert)
  2. Nuclear and Particle Physics (W.S.C. Williams - Clarendon Press, Oxford)
  3. Nuclei and Particles (E Segrè - Benjamins/Cummings publishing Company)
  4. Atoms, Radiations and Radiation Protection (J.E. Tuner - John Wiley & Sons)
  5. Physique nucléaire 1re partie (G. Terwagne - WebCampus, Université de Namur)
  6. Physique nucléaire 2e partie (G. Terwagne - WebCampus, Université de Namur)

 

Language of instruction

French
Training Study programme Block Credits Mandatory
Bachelor in Physics Standard 0 4
Bachelor in Physics Standard 3 4