DELAWARE TECHNICAL & COMMUNITY COLLEGE 
CAMPUS COURSE SYLLABUS
Campus: Wilmington
Department: Allied Health/Science
Course Number and Title: NMT 222 - Nuclear Physics
Instructor Name: Ray Lynch, MD Telephone:
302-571-5320
E-mail:
wlynch@dtcc.edu
Web
Site: http://physics.dtcc.edu
Pre-requisites: PHY 112 or PHY 205
Co-requisites:
Course Hours and Credits: 3:0:3
Course Description: This course is an introduction to
the atom and radioactivity. The major topics to be covered include atomic
structure, decay processes and products, half-life, interaction of radiation
with matter, and dosimetry.
Text: Physics,
6th Ed., Giancoli, 2005, Prentice Hall.
Materials:
Method of Instruction: Campus classroom
Manuals: Allied Health/Science Department Policy Manual
2009-2010
Disclaimer:
Core Course Performance Objectives:
- The student will identify and understand the structure of the atom. (CCC 2,
6, 7)
- The student will identify and understand the decay processes and products of
radionuclides. (CCC 2,6,7)
- The student will identify and understand the half-life of radionuclides. (CCC
2,6,7)
- The student will identify and understand the interaction of radiation with
matter. (CCC 2,6,7)
- The student will identify and understand dosimetry and the MIRD formula. (CCC
2,6,7)
Measurable Performance Objectives:
The student will be able to:
- The student will identify and understand the structure of the atom.
1.1 Describe the MKS and SI systems of measurement.
1.2 Describe general atomic structure.
1.3 Describe the structure outside of the atom.
1.4 Describe different nuclear models.
1.5 Differentiate between electrostatic and centrifugal force
as they apply to the structure of the atom.
1.6 Diagram an atom, placing electrons in proper shells.
1.7 Relate the Pauli exclusion principle to the organization
of the atom.
1.8 Explain the composition of the Periodic Table.
1.9 Identify various symbols used in the Periodic Table.
1.10 Describe the process of ionization.
1.11 Identify cations and anions.
1.12 Write an element using AZX
notation.
1.13 Find the number of neutrons in an atom given the A and Z
number.
1.14 Describe and be able to use nuclear shorthand.
1.15 Explain the terms nuclide, isotope, isobar, isotone and
isomer.
1.16 Describe the orbital energy levels of the electron.
1.17 Explain binding energy and energy state of the electron.
1.18 Discuss nuclear structure and the forces associated with
nuclear structure and content.
1.19 Describe mass defect and nuclear binding energy.
1.20 Describe the binding energy per nucleon versus mass
number graph.
1.21 Define atomic mass units and energy equivalents, and
derive the value of one, given the other by mathematical conversion.
2. The student will identify and understand the decay processes
and products of radionuclides.
2.1 Describe the quantum theory of electromagnetic radiation.
2.2 Identify, compare and contrast corpuscular and secondary
electromagnetic radiation.
2.3 Explain the various modes of electromagnetic radiation
production.
2.4 Describe Henri Becquerel's experiments.
2.5 Describe Rutherford's and Soddy's experiments and
theories.
2.6 Describe Madam Curie's discoveries.
2.7 Define natural and artificial radioactivity.
2.8 Define radiation.
2.9 Describe the types of nuclear transformations.
2.10 Describe the properties of b
particles.
2.11 Describe the process whereby b
particles are absorbed.
2.12 Describe the type of transformations for isomeric and
isobaric transitions.
2.13 Discuss the importance of parent-daughter relationships
in the radioactive equilibrium process.
2.14 Describe and explain the methods for production of
radionuclides.
2.15 Explain a typical radionuclide generator system with
regard to components and elution technique.
2.16 Define nuclear fission, and relate this process to the
production of radionuclides by writing the typical reactions for commonly used
radionuclides.
3. The student will identify and understand the half-life of
radionuclides.
3.1 State the radioactive decay formula, and show how it is
derived by identifying each component.
3.2 Describe the term "decay constant".
3.3 Describe the term "decay factor".
3.4 Discuss radioactive decay of mixed radionuclides.
3.5 Describe and explain secular equilibrium states.
3.6 Describe and explain transient equilibrium states.
- The student will identify and understand the interaction of radiation with
matter.
4.1 Describe the characteristics of electromagnetic radiation.
4.2 Explain the similarities and differences between x-rays
and photons.
4.3 Describe and diagram a photoelectric interaction of
radiation with matter.
4.4 Describe, diagram and fully explain a pair production
interaction of radiation with matter.
4.5 Describe, diagram and fully explain a Compton interaction
of radiation with matter.
4.6 Describe the characteristics of incident energy and
absorber material most likely to result in pair production.
4.7 Describe, diagram and fully explain an annihilation
interaction.
4.8 Describe the characteristic energy attributed to
annihilation radiation.
5. The student will identify and understand dosimetry and the
MIRD formula.
5.1 Use the MIRD formula in calculating the absorbed dose.
Evaluation
Criteria / Policy:
1.
In order to achieve the maximum benefit from this course of
instruction, the student is responsible for attending scheduled classes,
completing all readings and instructor handouts, and actively participating in
class discussion and activities.
2.
The instructor will announce the schedule for written tests and
quizzes.
3. Students will demonstrate proficiency
on all measurable performance objectives at least to the 75% level to
successfully complete the course. The
grade will be determined using the college grading system:
92-100 =
A
83- 91 =
B
75- 82 =
C
0 -
74 = R
Students should refer to the DTCC
Student Handbook and the Allied Health/Science Department Policy Manual
for information on Academic Standing Policy, Academic Honesty Policy, Student
Responsibilities and Student Rights, and other policies relevant to their
academic progress.
