This course deals with the theory and applications of atomic and nuclear physics, and the interactions with matter of ionising radiation such as X-rays, Gamma Rays, Electrons, Alphas, and Neutrons. You will study the many sources of radiation including radioactive nuclide decay, the quantum description of nuclear properties and behaviour, nuclear models (liquid drop, Fermi gas, shell models), radioactive (statistical) decay, the different modes of decay including electromagnetic transitions, and elements of particle physics. Applications of nuclear physics are also discussed.

You will also be introduced to the fundamentals of radiation detection. The course is augmented with practical laboratory sessions in radiation and nuclear physics. On completing this course you will be well prepared for advanced studies of theory and applications of Radiation and Nuclear Physics such as Medical Physics. The course provides the necessary background for some advanced laboratory and final year project experiments. Importantly, the course gives you the opportunity to use high-quality equipment in the radiation laboratories within the School, and teaches the principles of good laboratory practice.