|
 Academic Year:
| 2012/3 |
| Owning Department/School:
| Department of Chemistry |
| Credits:
| 3 |
| Level:
| Masters UG & PG (FHEQ level 7) |
| Period: |
Semester 1 |
| Assessment:
| EX100 |
| Supplementary Assessment: |
Like-for-like reassessment (where allowed by programme regulations) |
| Requisites:
| Before taking this unit you must take CH10133 or take CH10134 and in taking this unit you cannot take CH20145 |
| Description:
| Aims: The unit will provide an introduction to radio- and nuclear-chemistry and their applications. Learning Outcomes: After studying the Unit, students should be able to: * Describe and understand selected nuclear properties * Evaluate factors affecting nuclear stability * Describe and understand nuclear reactions * Describe and predict synthesis of trans-uranium elements * Account for the genesis of the elements * Outline selected applications of radioactive decay processes: - radioactive dating - radioactive markers - radioactive substances in medicine * Describe and evaluate nuclear fission reactors for energy production * Appreciate the factors involved in nuclear waste treatment and reprocessing * Convey an understanding of nuclear fusion reactions for energy production * Solve problems involving nuclear reactions and radioactive decay * Critically analyse chemical literature to study further aspects of radiochemistry. Skills: Numeracy (F, A), Problem solving (T, F A), Scientific writing (F, A), Independent working (F), Group working (F). Content: The nature, properties and applications of radioactivity and radioactive elements. Properties of nuclear particles. Quantitative description of radioactive decay processes including radioactive dating methods. Applications of radioactive isotopes as analytical markers and in medicine. Nuclear reactions. Synthesis of trans-uranium elements. The genesis of all elements. Radioactive processes in energy production: nuclear fission reactors, nuclear waste treatment and reprocessing, nuclear fusion. You will be provided with some peer reviewed literature and it is expected that you will use this literature as well as your own independent reading to study further (unseen) aspects of radiochemistry. The peer reviewed literature will be assessed as part of the examination for this course. |
| Programme availability: |
CH40203 is Optional on the following programmes:Programmes in Natural Sciences
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