87969 - Nuclear Physics

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course the student will be introduced to the basic concepts of Nuclear Physics. He/she will gain a general comprehension of nuclear models, nuclear reactions and neutron spectroscopy. He/she will have a general understanding of phenomena like nuclear fusion and fission and will be able to solve basic problems invol ving typical situation where different nuclear energy ranges are involved.

Course contents

The course aims to provide the basic tools to understand all the dynamics and implications of nuclear physics. Whenever is possible the topics will be analyzed from a historical, theoretical and applicative point of view.

Prerequisites: Basic knowledge of quantum mechanics is required.

Program of the first part (Prof. Dr. Finelli - 36 hours):

Basic concepts of nuclear physics. Nuclear forces: empirical phase shifts and deuteron properties. Theoretical description of the nuclear potential. Basic approaches to the structure nuclei: ground and excited states. Theory of the compound nucleus. Radioactive decays: decay chains, half-lives, natural radioactivity, and radiation measurement. Beta decay: weak interaction, non-preservation of parity, decay rates, ft values, permitted processes, prohibited processes, selection rules, and double beta decay. Alpha decay: Gamow's theoretical approach, and selection rules. Gamma decay: electromagnetic moments, Schmidt lines, multipole expansion, selection rules, and Lande 's formula. Nuclear reactions and neutron scattering, neutron absorption and moderation. History of nuclear fission. Nuclear fission theory and phenomenology. (36 hours)

Program of the second part (Prof. Dr. Massimi - 20 hours):

Nuclear reactions: conservation laws and Q-value. General characteristic of cross sections and experimental techniques. Compound-nucleus reactions, direct reactions and resonance reactions. Neutron physics: sources, reactions and detectors. Nuclear Astrophysics: Primordial and Stellar Nucleosynthesis, nuclear cosmochronology. Solar fusion and neutrinos. Overview on recent nuclear physics experiments and their applications. (20 hours)

Readings/Bibliography

All lectures and references can be found on the following website

https://virtuale.unibo.it/

K. Krane, "Nuclear physics", Wiley Ed.

C. Bertulani, "Nuclear Physics in a nutshell", Princeton University press

J.-l. Basdevant, "Fundamentals in Nuclear Physics", Springer Ed.

Teaching methods

Frontal lessons on the blackboard or with the use of slides.

Lectures will not be recorded.

Assessment methods

Starting from the 2025/26 academic year, the exam is exclusively oral and is divided into two parts, which cannot be taken separately.

Both tests contribute equally to the final grade.

Failure to attend is not considered a negative factor in the evaluation.

The purpose of the oral exam is to assess the student's ability to apply their knowledge and make the necessary logical-deductive connections.

Final grade grading:

Limited presentation and analytical ability that emerges only with the instructor's assistance, generally correct language → 18-24;

Ability to study and analyze independently on a fairly broad range of topics, ability to make independent critical analysis choices, mastery of specific terminology → 25-29;

Essentially comprehensive preparation on the topics covered in the course, ability to independently make critical analysis and connections, full command of specific terminology, and ability to reason and self-reflect → 30-30L.

Students with learning disabilities (LD) or temporary or permanent disabilities: Please contact the relevant University office promptly (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/it). They will be responsible for suggesting any accommodations to the students concerned. These accommodations must be submitted to the instructor for approval 15 days in advance, who will evaluate their suitability, also taking into account the course's learning objectives.

Please complete the corresponding form via Almaesami.

Teaching tools

Slides, notes and reading materials (english and italian language) will be available on the website.

Links to further information

https://virtuale.unibo.it/

Office hours

See the website of Paolo Finelli

See the website of Cristian Massimi