PHYS398C – Introduction to Radiation
Spring 2014
Instructor: Neil E. Miller
Office: Sciences 323
Office Phone: 641-3453
Text:
Email: neilm@usca.edu
Office Hours: MF 11-12, T 1-3, by appt.
Introduction to Nuclear Science (2nd ed.) by Jeff C. Bryan, ISBN 978-1-4398-9892-5
References:
hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/hframe.html
www.intechopen.com/books/show/title/radioisotopes-applications-in-physical-sciences
www.intechopen.com/books/gamma-radiation
ocw.mit.edu/courses/nuclear-engineering/
http://www.physics.isu.edu/radinf/natural.htm
www.nrc.gov
•
Check your USCA email and Blackboard account every day for possible updates.
Course Description:
Prerequisites - none
An introduction to radiation sources, detection, safety and applications.
Course Evaluation:
• Exams – They will cover all material from the lecture, text, presentations and experiments. The only
reasons that a make-up exam would be given are (1) an illness/injury that is confirmed by a
physician’s excuse on his/her form including dates, (2) a death in the family with documentation
from the funeral home, (3) an official USCA activity that is documented before the exam date or (4) a
signed letter from a court/judge stating that you did appear on that date and time. If a student is
seen touching, holding or using any portable electronic device other than a calculator during an
exam without the prior consent of the instructor, the instructor will assume that the student is
cheating and a zero will be given to that student for the exam.
•
Presentation – Each student will give one lecture on a particular topic in radiation physics. This will
include: outline, bibliography, first draft, questions to ask the class, and additional resources for the
class to get more information on your topic. Due dates for various parts of the presentation are listed
on the calendar.
•
Homework – Problems will be assigned periodically during the semester. The following is required
on each assignment: your name, course name, date. Late homework will not be accepted.
•
Experiments – The procedures will be provided by the instructor and should be completed before
you leave class. If necessary, the experiment may need to be finished at a later time. We will be
handling radioactive materials at various times, therefore make sure you wash your hands after each
activity and do not have food or drink in the classroom during those times.
Neil E. Miller
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Grading:
Exams
Presentation
Homework
Experiments
40%
25%
20%
15%
A:
B:
C:
D:
F:
≥ 90%
80 – 89%
70 – 79%
60 – 69%
≤ 59%
There is no curve of grades
There is no extra credit
No grades are dropped
The Department of Chemistry and Physics has the following attendance policy: Students must attend
75% of all lectures and labs, regardless of reason, to pass the course. If a student has more than 4
unexcused absences from lecture/lab, a loss of one letter grade will result.
Academic Integrity:
Please review the Academic Honor Code in the Student Handbook. If you are found in violation of the
Honor Code pertaining to any work that you have completed in this course, you will receive a zero for
that work. Furthermore, you may receive a grade of F for the course and/or other actions may be taken
concerning your conduct.
Classroom Behavior
You will be expected to refrain from disruptive behavior during all class meetings. The use of cell
phones, pagers, MP3 players, iPods, etc., during any class meetings is not allowed for any reason
unless prior approval has been given to a student from the instructor. You will be asked to leave the
class if I feel that your behavior is unsatisfactory.
Disability Statement
If you have a physical, psychological, and/or learning disability that might affect your performance in
this class, please contact the Office of Disability Services, B&E 126A, (803) 641-3609, as soon as
possible. The Office of Disability Services will determine appropriate accommodations based on medical
documentation.
Disclaimer:
In the event of extenuating circumstances, the schedule, policies, and assignments in this course are
subject to change.
Neil E. Miller
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Tentative Schedule for PHYS398C – Spring 2014
Date
M 1/13
W 1/15
F 1/17
M 1/20
W 1/22
F 1/24
M 1/27
W 1/29
F 1/31
M 2/3
W 2/5
F 2/7
M 2/10
W 2/12
F 2/14
M 2/17
W 2/19
F 2/21
M 2/24
W 2/26
F 2/28
M 3/3
W 3/5
F 3/7
3/10-3/14
M 3/17
W 3/19
F 3/21
M 3/24
W 3/26
F 3/28
M 3/31
W 4/2
F 4/4
M 4/7
W 4/9
F 4/11
M 4/14
W 4/16
F 4/18
M 4/21
W 4/23
F 4/25
M 4/28
F 5/2
Neil E. Miller
Topics / Activities
Atomic Structure
Quantum Mechanics
 Rutherford Scattering
→ No Class
Activity
 Half-Life
Equilibria and Statistics
Binding Energy
 Counting Statistics
→ Exam 1 – Hand in presentation outline
Sources of EM Radiation
Radioactivity
Other Decay Modes
Interaction with Heavy Charged Particles
Interaction with Electrons
 Beta Particle Absorption
Interaction with Photons
 Gamma Absorption
→ Exam 2– Hand in presentation bibliography
Methods of Radiation Detection
Radiation Detectors
Radiation Detectors
 Back Scattering
 Cloud Chamber
→ Spring Break
Effects of Radiation
Dosimetry
Application to food and medicine
Radiation Protection
Radiation Protection
 Effect of Time and Distance
→ Exam 3 – Hand in draft of presentation
Nuclear Reactions
Neutrons and Fission
Nuclear Reactors
Nuclear Reactors
Space Weather
Nucleosynthesis in Stars
Supernovae
The Early Universe
◊ Presentation
◊ Presentation
◊ Presentation
◊ Presentation
→ Exam 4 at 8am
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