Nuclear physics
Undergraduate · Physics
Syllabus focus
Topics typically covered
Standard syllabus
Nuclear properties
- Liquid-drop and shell models
- Binding energy and semi-empirical mass formula
- Radioactive decay modes: α, β, γ
- Decay chains and secular equilibrium
- Cross sections and reaction notation
Reactions and applications
- Nuclear fission and chain reactions
- Fusion conditions and stellar nucleosynthesis
- Nuclear reactors and moderation
- Accelerators and beam optics basics
- Medical isotopes and radiopharmaceuticals
Radiation and detection
- Interaction of radiation with matter
- Geiger–Müller, scintillator, and semiconductor detectors
- Dosimetry units: gray, sievert, becquerel
- Shielding design and ALARA principles
- Statistics of counting experiments
STEM / applied
Energy and security
- Reactor kinetics and control rods
- Waste storage and reprocessing debates
- Nonproliferation and safeguards overview
- Thorium cycles and small modular reactors
- Radiation monitoring in public health
Experimental nuclear labs
- γ spectroscopy with NaI or HPGe
- Half-life determination experiments
- Neutron activation analysis intro
- Coincidence counting techniques
- Radiation safety certification practices
Interdisciplinary links
- PET isotope production pathways
- Cosmic ray spallation on Earth
- Archaeological dating with carbon-14
- Space radiation effects on electronics
- Connecting nuclear data tables to simulation
Study units
Each unit includes a study guide, worksheets, review, practice test, and answer key. One unit is free; subscribe for the full class.
- Nuclear properties
Liquid-drop and shell models
Coming soon - Reactions and applications
Nuclear fission and chain reactions
Coming soon - Radiation and detection
Interaction of radiation with matter
Coming soon
Notes
Topics reflect common upper-division physics syllabi at US colleges and universities. Prerequisites, lab pairing, and mathematical depth vary by department.