Radioactivity, Nuclear Energy

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

Give students an overview of what nuclear physics is today in everyday life.

Enable students to perform simple calculations on all topics covered in order to quickly obtain orders of magnitude.

Have a clear scientific opinion on the concept of nuclear energy in order to be able to place it within the broader concept of energy.

Mastery of all physics and mathematics concepts from L1 and L2

Recommended prerequisites*: Differential equations, basic concepts of thermodynamics, etc.

100% CT

Introduction 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... Classic reactions: alpha, beta, gamma

Artificial radioactivity and induced reactions: fission, fusion

Nuclear reactor physics: fuel, power plants, energy, neutron physics fundamentals, reactor thermal engineering, etc. Examples

Radiation protection: effects of radiation on the human body, units, measuring devices

Concepts in nuclear medicine: imaging, treatments, etc.

CM: 13.5 hours

Tutorial: 13.5 hours