OVERVIEW

The course aims to illustrate some basic concepts of nuclear physics and ionizing radiation and to describe some techniques of analysis and non-destructive characterization of materials deriving from this sector of physics and which find numerous applications.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The course aims to illustrate some basic concepts of nuclear physics and ionizing radiation and to describe some techniques of analysis and non-destructive characterization of materials deriving from this sector of physics and which find numerous applications.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

At the end of the course the student should be able to:

1) Solve simple problems related to the physics of ionizing radiation and the basic concepts of nuclear physics

2) Know and be able to conceptually apply the measurement techniques discussed in class

PREREQUISITES

Basic skills in Physics and Mathematics are required

TEACHING METHODS

Lectures and exercises in the classroom, usually 4 hours/week.

The lectures in the classroom are delivered through multimedia presentations.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

Basics of nuclear physic and of ionizing radiation:

The structure of the atomic nucleus
Nuclear reactions and radioactive decay
Fission nuclear fusion
Nucleosynthesis and abundance of elements in the universe
Interaction of electrons, ions and photons with matter
Biological effects of ionizing radiation, dosimetry and radiation protection
Operating principles of radiation detectors and spectrometric chains
Operating principles of low energy ion accelerators

Methods for non-destructive material analysis:

14C dating and thermoluminescence
Non-destructive analysis with ion beams, X-ray fluorescence and neutron activation
Application examples:  air pollution and cultural heritage

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

All course handouts are provided via Aulaweb

D. Halliday, R. Resnik, J. Walker, Fondamenti di fisica – fisica moderna (Ambrosiana Editrice, copies in the library)

W. R. Leo, Techniques for Nuclear and Particle Physics Experiments (Springer-Verlag, copies in the library)

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

LESSONS

LESSONS START

End of September 2025

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

The exam is in written form and consists of 8 short exercises/problems.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

The questions in the written test are formulated in such a way as to verify the student's level of understanding of the most important concepts covered in the course and which form the basis of the application of nuclear physics and ionizing radiation in various fields.