This course aims to introduce students to the fundamental concepts of nuclear and sub-nuclear physics. Starting with an overview of the development of nuclear and particle physics, the course builds on previous learning in quantum mechanics and electromagnetism to develop students' understanding of the properties of the strong and weak forces. Topics covered include the experimental apparatus needed to study femtoscale (and sub-femtoscale) physics, the interactions between fundamental particles, and microscopic descriptions of the atomic nucleus. The lab program aims to increase students' understanding of how to handle and interpret data as well as to introduce them to the basic techniques and processes of radiation detection.
Honours Pathway Option
This course is offered as an advanced option. Students taking this option will be required to complete alternative assignment and/or laboratory options. These will amount to 15% of the total assessment.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
On satisfying the requirements of this course, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
1. analyse production and decay reactions for fundamental particles, applying conservation principles to determine the type of reaction taking place and the possible outcomes
2. describe the role of colour in the strong force, and appreciate why going from strong interactions between quarks to nuclear structure is a currently unsolved problem
3. describe the role of spin-orbit coupling in the shell structure of atomic nuclei, and predict the properties of nuclear ground and excited states based on the shell model
4. apply quark mixing models to analyse weak interaction physics such as beta and kaon decay
5. read, understand and explain scholarly journal articles in nuclear and particle physics
6.make relevant measurements of energy and decay spectra using basic experimental facilities and apply Poisson statistics to evaluate the uncertainties in the data.
Indicative Assessment
Assessment will be based on:
- Regular problem sheets to assess ability to identify and analyse problems, and to apply basic techniques to solve them (25%; LO 1-4)
- Laboratory work, including lab books and technical reports (30%; LO 6)
- Oral exam (20%, LO 1-4)
- Final written exam (25%; LO 1-4)
The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.
Workload
A total of approximately 36 one-hour lectures and tutorials and 21 hours of laboratory work, plus individual study.
Requisite and Incompatibility
Specialisations
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
If you are a domestic graduate coursework or international student you will be required to pay tuition fees. Tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 2
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are an undergraduate student and have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). You can find your student contribution amount for each course at Fees. Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Course fees
- Domestic fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2015 | $3096 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2015 | $4146 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.
Class summaries, if available, can be accessed by clicking on the View link for the relevant class number.
First Semester
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1543 | 16 Feb 2015 | 06 Mar 2015 | 31 Mar 2015 | 29 May 2015 | In Person | N/A |
