NUCLEAR ASTROPHYSICS - 2022/3
Module code: PHY3041
In light of the Covid-19 pandemic, and in a departure from previous academic years and previously published information, the University has had to change the delivery (and in some cases the content) of its programmes, together with certain University services and facilities for the academic year 2020/21.
These changes include the implementation of a hybrid teaching approach during 2020/21. Detailed information on all changes is available at: https://www.surrey.ac.uk/coronavirus/course-changes. This webpage sets out information relating to general University changes, and will also direct you to consider additional specific information relating to your chosen programme.
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Module Overview
The first part of the module explores different aspects of the structure of atomic nuclei, starting from basic principles and leading to current research themes. There is an emphasis on the physical limits to nuclear binding and nuclear reactions.
The second part of the module explains how nuclei are synthesised in the Universe. Different processes, such as the burning phase, r, s, p are discussed. The relevance of nuclear structure and reaction physics is discussed.
Module provider
Physics
Module Leader
PODOLYAK Zsolt (Physics)
Number of Credits: 15
ECTS Credits: 7.5
Framework: FHEQ Level 6
JACs code: F370
Module cap (Maximum number of students): N/A
Module Availability
Semester 1
Prerequisites / Co-requisites
Nuclear and Particle Physics (BSc Physics Year 2 equivalent)
Module content
Indicative content includes:
Nuclear structure: nucleon-nucleon force, the shell model, spin-orbit force, Pauli principle, evidence for shells, single-particle structure, collective (vibrational and rotational) structures. Limits of stability, super-heavy nuclei, proton and neutron drip lines.
Nuclear reactions: Types of nuclear reactions. Coulomb barrier, cross sections. Elastic and inelastic scattering, fusion, deep inelastic, fragmentation reactions. Conservation laws.
Nuclear Astrophysics processes: abundances, nuclear fusion in starts, hydrogen burning, He burning and other burning processes. Heavy element production via s, r and p processes and astrophysical sites.
Stellar reaction rates: general characteristics of thermo-nuclear reactions, reaction rate calculations, cosmo-chronometry, and the role of experiments.
Assessment pattern
| Assessment type | Unit of assessment | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| School-timetabled exam/test | Multiple-choice CLASS TEST on SurreyLearn (1 HOUR) | 30 |
| Examination | END OF SEMESTER EXAMINATION (2 HOURS) | 70 |
Alternative Assessment
NA
Assessment Strategy
The assessment strategy is designed to provide the students with the opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge of concepts behind Nuclear Astrophysics.
Thus, the summative assessment for this module consists of:
- A 2 hours duration examination at the end of semester, with a section A of compulsory questions and a section B with 2 questions chosen from 3. (In Part A all questions (40 points); in Part B answer two questions out of three (10-points each). If all three questions in Part B are attempted only the best two will be counted). Full marks in the examination will be equivalent to 70% of the total marks available in assessment of this module.
- A one hour multiple-choice class test on SurreyLearn during week 8. Full marks in the class test will be equivalent of 30% of the total marks available in the assessment on this module.
Formative assessment and feedback:
There will be about 7-8 hour tutorials. The students will receive verbal feedback on their performance during the tutorials.
Module aims
- provide a basic understanding of the complex structure of atomic nuclei and the limits of their stability. Also how these can be studied via nuclear reactions. To ensure that the student has a clear understanding of the processes in start, and also the information needed from nuclear physics in order to quantify these processes.
Learning outcomes
| Attributes Developed | ||
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Describe the main features of nuclear forces, nuclear shells, collective excitation modes and nuclear stability. They will recognise types of nuclear reactions according to incident energy, impact parameters and outcomes. This knowledge will be applied to nuclear astrophysics. The student will be able to assess the fusion burning in starts, as well as the production of element heavier than iron mainly via neutron induced processes. They will be able to formulate and quantify the reaction rates and the effect of quantum tunnelling and temperature in stars. |
Attributes Developed
C - Cognitive/analytical
K - Subject knowledge
T - Transferable skills
P - Professional/Practical skills
Overall student workload
Independent Study Hours: 117
Lecture Hours: 26
Tutorial Hours: 7
Methods of Teaching / Learning
33 hours of lectures/tutorials.
Indicated Lecture Hours (which may also include seminars, tutorials, workshops and other contact time) are approximate and may include in-class tests where one or more of these are an assessment on the module. In-class tests are scheduled/organised separately to taught content and will be published on to student personal timetables, where they apply to taken modules, as soon as they are finalised by central administration. This will usually be after the initial publication of the teaching timetable for the relevant semester.
Reading list
https://readinglists.surrey.ac.uk
Upon accessing the reading list, please search for the module using the module code: PHY3041
Programmes this module appears in
| Programme | Semester | Classification | Qualifying conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physics with Nuclear Astrophysics MPhys | 1 | Compulsory | A weighted aggregate mark of 40% is required to pass the module |
| Physics with Astronomy MPhys | 1 | Optional | A weighted aggregate mark of 40% is required to pass the module |
| Physics MSc | 1 | Optional | A weighted aggregate mark of 40% is required to pass the module |
| Physics with Nuclear Astrophysics BSc (Hons) | 1 | Compulsory | A weighted aggregate mark of 40% is required to pass the module |
| Physics with Astronomy BSc (Hons) | 1 | Optional | A weighted aggregate mark of 40% is required to pass the module |
| Physics with Quantum Technologies MPhys | 1 | Optional | A weighted aggregate mark of 40% is required to pass the module |
| Physics with Quantum Technologies BSc (Hons) | 1 | Optional | A weighted aggregate mark of 40% is required to pass the module |
| Physics BSc (Hons) | 1 | Optional | A weighted aggregate mark of 40% is required to pass the module |
| Physics MPhys | 1 | Optional | A weighted aggregate mark of 40% is required to pass the module |
| Mathematics and Physics BSc (Hons) | 1 | Optional | A weighted aggregate mark of 40% is required to pass the module |
| Mathematics and Physics MPhys | 1 | Optional | A weighted aggregate mark of 40% is required to pass the module |
| Mathematics and Physics MMath | 1 | Optional | A weighted aggregate mark of 40% is required to pass the module |
Please note that the information detailed within this record is accurate at the time of publishing and may be subject to change. This record contains information for the most up to date version of the programme / module for the 2022/3 academic year.