ATOMIC AND NUCLEAR PHYSICS - 2026/7

Module Overview

The module provides a graduate level introduction to Atomic and Nuclear Physics. It is aimed at both students with a first degree in Physics (as a review) and also as key, underpinning material for graduates with non-physics first degrees (e.g. Engineering, Chemistry, Mathematics etc,) to provide a foundation in quantum mechanics and atomic and nuclear structure.

Module provider

Mathematics & Physics

Module Leader

REGAN Patrick (Maths & Phys)

Number of Credits: 15

ECTS Credits: 7.5

Framework: FHEQ Level 7

Module cap (Maximum number of students): N/A

Module Availability

Semester 1

Prerequisites / Co-requisites

None

Module content

ATOMIC PHYSICS 

• Introduction to Quantum Physics: Electromagnetic waves, Black Body Spectra, the Ultraviolet Catastrophe and the Planck hypothesis, Wien's Law and Stefan¿s Law. Wave-particle duality, de Broglie wavelength & Uncertainty Principle, Schrodinger Equation and the Born Approximation; Wavefunctions and Boundary Conditions and Energy Quantization; Particle in a box; free particle, infinite square well, Emission and Absorption Spectra. 
• Introduction to Atomic Physics: Emission and Absorption Spectra; Lyman, Balmer, Paschen, Bracket and Pfund Spectral Series in Hydrogen; Rydberg Constant and the Ritz Combination principle; Rutherford picture and the Bohr Model for the Hydrogen atom; Hydrogen line spectra Lyman, Balmer, Paschen, Pfund series and the Rydberg constant; Bohr radius; Single electron (Bohr) atoms; Deficiencies of the Bohr Model. 
• The Atom in Quantum Mechanics: Solution to the Hydrogen Atom in Wave mechanics; Radial and Angular Wavefunctions; spectroscopic notation; Quantum Numbers n, l, ml, Electron degeneracy; Spin-orbit interactions in atoms; The Bohr Magneton. Pauli Exclusion Principle; Electronic Structure in many electron atoms. 
• Atomic Structure in Many-Electron Atoms. Shell structure of atoms; electron degeneracy; penetrating effect of s and p orbitals ; Electron occupancies, the Periodic table and noble gas elements ; Fine Structure and Zeeman Splitting; Characteristic X-rays and Moseley's Law; Auger emission and Fluorescent Yield Selection rules and optical spectra.  

NUCLEAR PHYSICS 

• Nuclear Physics, basic Concepts: Experimental evidence for nuclear sizes; Outline of Rutherford scattering, nuclear excited state energy and mass systematics, nuclear binding energy. Definition of isobar, isotope, isotone and the Segre Chart. 
• Systematic study of nuclear binding energy: Von Weizsäcker Semi-Empirical Mass Formula and Liquid Drop Model; mass parabolas and isobaric stability; beta decay, energy released during fission of heavy nuclei. Definition of Activity and laws of (successive radioactive decay); Half-life and mean-life. 
• Nuclear Shell Structure: Underpinning observable phenomena behind the nuclear shell Model; evidence for Magic Numbers and Closed Shells. Woods-Saxon potentials, nuclear spin-orbit interaction. Magic numbers. 
• Electromagnetic Decay from Excited Nuclear States: Nuclear Structure and nuclear decay schemes; decays from Excited Nuclear States; Gamma-ray emission, EM selection rules and EM transition rates; Internal Conversion.

Assessment pattern

Alternative Assessment

None

Assessment Strategy

The assessment strategy is designed to provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate: 

• Knowledge and understanding of underlying physics concepts and conservation laws which underpin these. 
• The ability to identify and use the appropriate techniques to solve relevant atomic and nuclear physics problems.  

Thus, the summative assessment for this module consists of: 

• One in-semester test (1 hour minutes), run online in week 8 in an invigilated computer laboratory, 10 multiple choice questions, set on Surreylearn, worth 30% of the module mark, corresponding to materials presented in the lectures in weeks 1 to 7. 
• A synoptic examination (2 hours), worth 70% of the module mark, corresponding to all Learning. Students to answer 3 questions out of 5 with 20 marks available for each question. 

Formative assessment There will be past-paper style questions and tutorial style problems available using Surreylearn. Feedback Students will receive feedback on the online in-semester test. This feedback is timed so as to assist students with preparation for the final synoptic examination. Students will also receive verbal feedback at the three 1 hour in-class tutorials, which are designed to promote student engagement with radiation physics based problem solving.

Module aims

• Introduce or consolidate and extend students' understanding of underpinning concepts behind atomic and nuclear structure.
• Provide students with an introduction to quantum mechanical descriptions of atomic and nuclear structure and related phenomena, including wavefunctions, energy quantization quantum numbers, selection rules, shell structure and the Pauli-Exclusion Principle.
• Enable students to apply their knowledge and skills to atomic and nuclear physics problems.

Learning outcomes

Methods of Teaching / Learning

The learning and teaching strategy is designed to: 

• Provide students with revision of graduate-level material on underlying physics and mathematical basis for understanding radiation physics processes. 
• Provide students with an understanding of the underlying structure of atoms and atomic nuclei. 
• Provide students with experience of mathematical methods used to understand and solve atomic and nuclear radiation problems. 

The learning and teaching methods include: 

• Thirty hours of lectures over eleven weeks, with module notes provided to complement the lectures. These lectures provide a structured learning environment and opportunities for students to ask questions and to practice methods taught. 
• Three hours of class tutorials and guided problem classes for guided discussion of solutions to problem sheets (provided to students in advance) to reinforce their understanding of concepts and methods, and enable students to engage in solving problems relating to radiation sciences. 
• Past-paper style exam questions will be provided via SurreyLearn and are designed to provide students with opportunities to consolidate learning. Feedback on these unassessed coursework will provide students with guidance on their progress and understanding. 
• Lectures will cover core topics. Video recordings of core topics covered in lectures may be provided. These recordings are intended to give students an opportunity to review parts of lectures which they may not fully have understood and should not be seen as an alternative to attending lectures. 
• Additional video recordings of revision topics and extension topics will be provided.

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: PHYM079

Other information

The Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences is committed to developing graduates with strengths in Digital Capabilities, Employability, Global and Cultural Capabilities, Resourcefulness, Resilience, and Sustainability. This module is designed to allow students to develop knowledge, skills and capabilities in the following areas: 

Digital Capabilities : The SurreyLearn page will feature a dynamic chat discussion forum where students can pose questions and engage with others. This enhances their digital competencies while facilitating collaborative learning and information sharing. 

Employability : The module equips students with skills which significantly enhance their employability. The proficiency gained hones critical thinking and problem-solving abilities, particularly in the radiation science arena. Students will learn to analyse world problems and apply scientifically robust techniques to arrive at solutions. These are highly sought after skills in the science, engineering areas and in many professions. 

Global and Cultural Capabilities: Students enrolled in the module are likely to originate from a variety of countries and have a wide range of cultural backgrounds. Students are encouraged to work together during problem-solving teaching activities in tutorials and lectures, which naturally facilitates the sharing of different cultures.

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 2026/7 academic year.