Over 3,000 different kinds of atomic nuclei have been discovered in elements that span the Periodic Table, yet each one has unique properties. Some may exist forever; others transform within a fraction of a second. Some can power satellites as they travel to the outer reaches of the solar system; others have special properties that allow them to treat different forms of cancer.
This course will introduce you to the physics of atomic nuclei and radioactive decay. You will develop understanding of basic nuclear properties, such as the organisation of their constituent particles and the forces that bind them together. You will then apply this knowledge to understand the origins of nuclear stability and instability, and the different kinds of radioactive decay and nuclear reactions that can occur. You will also learn about radiation-matter interactions, radiation detection and measurement techniques, and applications of nuclear science and technology relevant to energy security and human health.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- Explain basic properties of atomic nuclei, nuclear forces and relationship between mass and energy at the subatomic scale.
- Understand the origins of nuclear stability, instability, and basic features of nuclear structure.
- Differentiate between different kinds of radioactive decay and nuclear reactions, including alpha, beta, and gamma decay, fission and fusion.
- Describe the different interactions that occur between radiation and materials.
- Appraise the performance of radiation detectors across a variety of scenarios and applications.
- Critically evaluate new and emerging nuclear technologies with respect to Australian society and the broader Asia-Pacific region, including those relevant to energy security and human health.
Indicative Assessment
- Weekly assignments (40) [LO 1,2,3,4,5,6]
- Project (30) [LO 1,2,3,4,5,6]
- Mid-semester assessment (10) [LO 1,2,3]
- Final exam (20) [LO 1,2,3,4,5,6]
The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.
Workload
The expected workload will consist of approximately 130 hours throughout the semester, including:
- Face-to-face component that may consist of 2 x 1 hour lectures and 1 x 2 hour workshop per week, plus an optional 1 x 1 hour drop-in tutorial per week.
- Approximately 6 hours of self-directed study per week, which will include preparation for lectures, presentations and other assessment tasks.
Inherent Requirements
No specific inherent requirements have been identified for this course.
Requisite and Incompatibility
Prescribed Texts
There are no prescribed texts.
Preliminary Reading
Nuclear Physics: Principles and Applications, J. Lilley
Radiation Detection and Measurement, G. Knoll
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
Commonwealth Support (CSP) Students
If you have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). More information about your student contribution amount for each course at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 2
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are a domestic graduate coursework student with a Domestic Tuition Fee (DTF) place or international student you will be required to pay course tuition fees (see below). Course tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.
Class summaries, if available, can be accessed by clicking on the View link for the relevant class number.
First Semester
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3668 | 23 Feb 2026 | 02 Mar 2026 | 31 Mar 2026 | 29 May 2026 | In Person | N/A |