Form 20
Version 3.0 (2007/2008)
Heriot-Watt University - Module Descriptor Template (RAY)
Module Title
Statistical, Nuclear & Particle Physics
School
Engineering and Physical Sciences
Module
Co-ordinator
Physics Teaching Group Convener
SCQF
Level
10
Module
Code
B20SN
Semester
On or OffCampus
Credits
2
On
15
1. Pre-requisites
2. Linked Modules
(specify if synoptic)
3. Excluded Modules
None
4. Replacement Module
Code:
None
Date Of Replacement:
5.
Availability as an
Elective
Yes
No
X
6. Degrees for which this
is a core module
7. Aims
To understand the role of fluctuations in Physics.
To be able to calculate thermodynamic quantities from microscopic interactions.
To understand how energy is liberated or taken by a nucleus in nuclear reactions.
To understand the composition of nucleons and the basic forces of the universe.
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Form 20
Version 3.0 (2007/2008)
Heriot-Watt University - Module Descriptor Template (RAY)
Module Title
Statistical, Nuclear & Particle Physics
School
Engineering and Physical Sciences
Module
Co-ordinator
Physics Teaching Group Convener
SCQF
Level
10
Module
Code
B20SN
Semester
2
On or OffCampus
Credits
On
15
8. Syllabus
Statistical Physics

Microstates and the Fundamental Principle of Statistical Mechanics.

The statistical basis of entropy. Thermal Equilibrium and Temperature.

Boltzmann distribution.

Partition function and Helmholtz free energy.

Kinetic Theory of Gases and Maxwell-Boltzmann distribution. Gas laws revisited. Van der Waals equation.

Fermi-Dirac and Bose-Einstein distributions.

Density of states.

Examples in condensed matter and nuclear physics.
Nuclear & Particle Physics

Fundamentals forces of nature.

Units and constants in nuclear physics.

Radioactive decay – alpha, beta and gamma.

The Liquid Drop Model. Nuclear masses and binding energies.

Nuclear reactions. Fission and fusion.

Nuclear reactors and bombs.

Classification of elementary particles.

Bosons and fermions. Pauli exclusion principle.

Relativistic dynamics and invariance.
 The Standard Model.
9. Learning Outcomes (HWU Core Skills: Employability and Professional Career Readiness)
Subject Mastery
Understanding, Knowledge and Cognitive Skills
Scholarship, Enquiry and Research (Research-Informed Learning)
Students will know how to integrate thermal statistical thinking into physics problems. They will naturally incorporate quantitative approaches in
dealing with experiments. They will realise the practical importance of the mass-energy equivalence as a foundation of a nuclear energy
programme.
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Form 20
Version 3.0 (2007/2008)
Heriot-Watt University - Module Descriptor Template (RAY)
Module Title
Statistical, Nuclear & Particle Physics
School
Engineering and Physical Sciences
Module
Co-ordinator
Physics Teaching Group Convener
SCQF
Level
10
Personal Abilities
Module
Code
B20SN
Semester
2
On or OffCampus
Credits
On
15
Industrial, Commercial & Professional Practice
Autonomy, Accountability & Working with Others Communication, Numeracy & ICT
Personal abilities are embedded in the module. The module provides the opportunity to :
 Apply the advanced core knowledge expected of a professional physicist to gain professional level insights,
 Communicate effectively with professional level colleagues
 Interpret, use and evaluate critically a wide range of data to solve problems of both a familiar and unfamiliar nature
 Manage time effectively, work to deadlines and prioritise workloads
 Use a range of ICT skills with on-line materials and web links to support the learning process
 Apply strategies for appropriate selection of relevant information from a wide source and large body of knowledge
 Exercise significant initiative and independence in carrying out learning activities and researching information
10. Assessment Methods
Method
11. Re-assessment Methods
Duration of Exam
Weighting (%)
Synoptic modules?
(if applicable)
Examination
3 hours
Method
Duration of Exam
(if applicable)
100%
12. Date and Version
Date of Proposal
6 December 2007
Date of Approval by
School Committee
Date of
Implementation
Version
Number
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