Last modified: 22 May 2019 17:07
This course comprises two half units, Nuclear physics and semiconductor physics, both of huge technological importance. In the nuclear physics section, the competing forces that act within the nucleus will be examined and how this leads to the concept of binding energy. How binding energy can be liberated in fusion and fission processes and reactors will then be explored. In semiconductor physics, the physics of charge carriers and charge transport in semiconductors will be examined and how this can be utilized in a huge variety of semiconductor devices such as diodes and transistors.
| Study Type | Undergraduate | Level | 4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Term | Second Term | Credit Points | 15 credits (7.5 ECTS credits) |
| Campus | None. | Sustained Study | No |
| Co-ordinators |
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The course will develop the basic ideas of band theory, followed by the development of semiconductor physics which builds on both Boltzmann and Fermi-Dirac statistics. The underlying concepts in semiconductor physics will develop from the movement of charge in solids, number densities of charge carriers, equilibrium then non-equilibrium semiconductors and will conclude with consolidation of these ideas through their application in the pn junction diode. In the second half, Nuclear models, nuclear shells and magic numbers; radioactive decay; fission, fusion, nuclear reactions and types of reactors; production of radionuclides; reactors, linear accelerators and cyclotrons will be covered.
This course alternates with PX4510. This course will not run in 2015-16.
Information on contact teaching time is available from the course guide.
1st Attempt: One two hour examination (75%) and (25%) continuous assessment. Resit: One two hour examination (100%).
Students progress will be assessed in the weekly tutorial sessions.
Feedback in assessments will be within two weeks (usually one week) for written assessments and immediately in formative tutorial tasks.
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