Radioactivity, Nuclear Energy

Study of the basic principles of nuclear physics with a view to practical applications in everyday life. This course unit aims to provide the fundamentals of nuclear physics and then present applications of radioactivity and nuclear energy in industrial settings (nuclear reactor physics, nuclear fuels), medical settings (nuclear imaging), and radiation protection (measuring devices, units, etc.).

To provide students with an overview of what nuclear physics entails in today's world and how it is applied in everyday life.

To enable students to perform simple calculations on all the topics covered in order to quickly determine orders of magnitude.

To have a clear scientific understanding of the concept of nuclear energy in order to situate it within the broader concept of energy.

Proficiency in all physics and mathematics concepts covered in the first and second years of undergraduate studies

Recommended prerequisites*: Differential equations, basics of thermodynamics…

100% CT

Introduction to and History of Nuclear Physics

The atom. Mass, energy. Conservation laws. Wave-particle duality. Units. Energy levels

The Kernel and Its Components

Radiation-Matter Interaction 

Natural radioactivity, decay, half-life… Common types of decay: alpha, beta, gamma

Artificial Radioactivity and Induced Reactions: Fission, Fusion

Nuclear Reactor Physics: Fuel, Power Plants, Energy, Fundamentals of Neutronics, Reactor Thermodynamics, …examples

Radiation Protection: Effects of Radiation on the Human Body, Units, and Measuring Devices

Fundamentals of Nuclear Medicine: Imaging, Treatments…

CM: 1:30 p.m.

TD: 1:30 p.m.