Majmaah University
Institution:
Academic Department : Physics
Bachelor of Science in Physics (BS)
Programme :
Nuclear Physics I (PHYS 481)
Course :
Dr. Ahmed Adel
Course Coordinator :
Programme Coordinator : Head of Department
27/ 5 / 1435 H
Course Specification Approved Date :
A. Course Identification and General Information
1. 1 - Course title : Nuclear Physics I
Course Code: PHYS 481
3 (3+0+0)
2. Credit hours :
3 - Program(s) in which the course is offered: Bachelor of Science (BS)
4 – Course Language : English
2. 5 - Name of faculty member responsible for the course: Dr. Ahmed Adel
3. 6 - Level/year at which this course is offered : 7th level / 4th year
7 - Pre-requisites for this course (if any) : PHYS 351
8 - Co-requisites for this course (if any) : NIL
9 - Location if not on main campus :
(College of Science , Al-Zulfi)
10 - Mode of Instruction (mark all that apply)
What percentage?
A - Traditional classroom
√
B - Blended (traditional and
What percentage?
online)
√
C - e-learning
D - Correspondence
E - Other
85 %
15 %
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What percentage?
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What percentage?
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What percentage?
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Comments :
The mode of instructor is distributed and used two items [Traditional classroom with 85% and Traditional
online with 15%].
B Objectives
What is the main purpose for this course?
The course describes the properties of nuclei and various models useful for the
description of nuclear properties. It covers nuclear binding energy, nuclear stability,
and radioactive decays. It also covers the different types of nuclear reactions, nuclear
detectors and nuclear accelerators.
By the end of this course, the student will be able to:
1. Develop a clear understanding of the basic concepts in nuclear physics.
2. Explain the physical principles underlying the liquid drop model of the nucleus
and use it to explain nuclear masses and binding energies.
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3. Acquire knowledge of natural radioactivity and various decay modes.
4. Be familiar with the different types of nuclear reactions and nuclear detectors.
Briefly describe any plans for developing and improving the course that are
being implemented :
1. Annual review of the course using recent textbooks and references.
2. Electronic materials are updated frequently to support the lecture course.
3. Increase use of discussion workgroups.
C. Course Description
1. Topics to be Covered
List of Topics
Nuclear properties: constituents of the nucleus, nuclear radius
and mass
Binding energy and semi-empirical mass formula
Natural Radioactivity: Decay law-Nuclear stability – Alpha, Beta
and Gamma decays
Artificial Radioactivity: Discovery of artificial radionuclides –
Interaction of radiation with matter
Nuclear Reactions
Nuclear Fission and Nuclear Fusion
Radiation Detectors
No. of
Weeks
2
Contact
Hours
6
2
3
6
9
3
9
3
2
1
9
6
3
2. Course components (total contact hours and credits per semester):
Lecture
Tutorial
Laboratory
Practical
Other:
Total
Contact
Hours
45
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
45
Credit
3
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
3
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3. Additional private study/learning hours expected for
students per week.
3 hours
4. Course Learning Outcomes in NQF Domains of Learning and
Alignment with Assessment Methods and Teaching Strategy
NQF Learning Domains
And Course Learning Outcomes
Course
Teaching
Strategies
Course Assessment
Methods
1.0 Knowledge
1.1 Recognize the constituents of the nucleus.
- Lectures
1.2 Identify basic nuclear properties such the nuclear
charge, nuclear radius, nuclear mass, nuclear
magnetic moments, nuclear spin and parity.
1.3 Identify the nuclear binding energy and semiempirical mass formula.
- Graded
homework
- Team work
- Quizzes
- Discussion
sessions
- Midterms
- Final Exam
1.4 Describe natural radioactivity and the differences
between various decay modes.
1.5 Recognize the different types of nuclear reactions.
2.0 Cognitive Skills
2.1 Solve basic problems involving the application of
the concepts of nuclear properties covered in the
course.
- Problem
solving
- Class
participation
-Class
2.2 Calculate the Q-values of various decay modes with discussion
the application of the selection rules for the allowed
transitions.
- Graded
homework
2.3 Apply the basic laws of radioactivity in solving
related problems.
- Final Exam
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- Midterms
NQF Learning Domains
And Course Learning Outcomes
3.0 Interpersonal Skills & Responsibility
3.1 Work effectively in groups as well as individuals.
3.2 Present a short report in a written form and orally
using appropriate scientific language.
Course
Teaching
Strategies
Course Assessment
Methods
-Discussion
with
students
- Group
presentation
- Group
assignments
- Evaluation of
group reports and
individual
contribution
within the group
- Peer or selfassessment
4.0 Communication, Information Technology, Numerical
Evaluation of
4.1 Use information technology and modern computer Group
tools to locate and retrieve scientific information presentation group reports and
relevant to nuclear physics
individual
contribution
within the group
5.0 Psychomotor
5.1 Not applicable
Not
applicable
Not applicable
5. Schedule of Assessment Tasks for Students during the Semester:
Assessment task
Week Due
Proportion
of Total Assessment
20 %
1
First exam*
5
2
Second exam*
11
3
Homework
4
Quizzes
5
Discussions
Weekly
6
Team group
Three time/ semester
20 %
weekly
End of topics
20 %
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7
Final exam *
End of the semester
Total
40 %
100 %
D. Student Academic Counseling and Support
Arrangements for availability of faculty and teaching staff for individual student
consultations and academic advice. (include amount of time teaching staff are
expected to be available each week).
Office hours 6 hr/ week.
E. Learning Resources
1. List Required Textbooks :
 Introductory Nuclear Physics, K.S. Krane,2nd edition, John Wiley and Sons,
1988.
 Concepts of Modern Physics, Beiser, McGraw Hill, 6th edition, 2002.
2. List Essential References Materials :
 Journal of Physical Review C
3. List Recommended Textbooks and Reference Material :
 Quantum Mechanics, S. Gasiorowicz, 3rd Edition, Wiley, 2003
4. List Electronic Materials :
www.eagle.co.uk/news/ppnews.html
http://faculty.mu.edu.sa/aahmed
http://vlib.org/physics.html
http://dir.yahoo.com/science/physics
5. Other learning material :
 Mathematica Program is used to solve differential equations, integrals.
F. Facilities Required
1. Accommodation
 Lecture room with at least 25 seats.
 Auditorium of a capacity of not less than 100 seats for large lecture format
classes.
2. Computing resources
 A smart board to write on and computer.
3. Other resources
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 Library, Seminar Room, and Wi-Fi internet connections.
G Course Evaluation and Improvement Processes
1 Strategies for Obtaining Student Feedback on Effectiveness of Teaching:
 Student evaluation electronically organized by the University.
2 Other Strategies for Evaluation of Teaching by the Program/Department
Instructor :
 There is a department committee responsible for the development of the
strategies of Teaching.
3 Processes for Improvement of Teaching :
 Course report.
 Program report.
 Training Courses.
4. Processes for Verifying Standards of Student Achievement
Efficiency of course will be reflected on the results of the class, which may be
reviewed by members of the teaching staff in addition to other duties such as
discussing ideas and ways of teaching and learning. The course should be
developed periodically to ensure that it contains the latest developments in the field
of study. Development could be put as an objective in the report of the course to be
achieved each semester.
5 Describe the planning arrangements for periodically reviewing course
effectiveness and planning for improvement :
 Course Evaluation
 Exam Evaluation
 Improvement plan
 Program Outlearning with course outlearning
 Outlearning from the pre-requisite course
Course Specification Approved
Department Official Meeting No (13) Date 27 / 5 / 1435 H
Course’s Coordinator
Name :
Dr. Ahmed Adel
Signature : ...........................
Date :
…./ … / …… H
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Department Head
Name :
Signature :
Date :
Dr. Thamer Alharbi
..........................
…./ … / …… H