OVERVIEW

The course is aimed at students of the degree course in Chemistry and Chemical Technology (4 CFU), students of the bachelor courses in Molecular Biology and Health (2nd year, 2CFU) and Biological Monitoring (2nd year, 2CFU).
The program sections dedicated to different courses are specified in the program year, courses are modulated to guarantee a good frequency to the students of the different courses.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

To provide a basic knowledge on atomic nucleous properties, radioactivity and the laws of the radioactive decay. The understanding of the way in which the radiation interacts with the matter and thus how they can be revealed. To know the mechanisms that regulate key nuclear reactions such as fission. Provide the basis for understanding the effects of radiation on biological material, the radiation dose meaning.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

Attendance and participation in the planned educational activities (lectures and seminars) will enable the student to acquire the knowledge necessary to undertake studies in the field of radiochemistry.

Specifically, the student will be able to:

know and describe the main types of radioactive decays, know and predict the interactions of different types of radiation with inanimate matter and with living beings, learn about the main uses of radiation in environmental, industrial and analytical fields.

PREREQUISITES

The useful prerequisites for the course contents are: the bases of analytical geometry and differential calculus and general chemistry.

Teaching methods

The teaching consists of lectures in the classroom  delivered through multimedia presentations.

During the course two lectures will be held, in the field of radiation protection and medical applications of radiation, both seminars will be held during class time by industry experts invited by the teacher.

All the teaching material used during the lessons is made available on aulaweb.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

The atomic nucleus structure: binding energy, mass, radius. Nuclear models. Natural radioactivity and the radioactivity decay law. Radioactive decay processes: α and β decay, γ transitions, nuclear fission. Interaction radiation-matter. Radiation measurements : gas counters, scintillation and semiconductor detectors. Nuclear reactions: energetics, cross sections, mechanisms, nuclear fission. Thermonuclear reactions. Radiation biology, dosimetry.

Analytical and technological applications of the radiations.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

All the slides used will be available on aulaweb. For further informations the following volumes are suggested:

 Radiochemistry and Nuclear Chemistry, G.R.Choppin, J.Liljenzin, J.Rydberg. Nuclear and Radiochemistry, G.Friedlander, J.W.Kennedy, E.S.Macias, J.Malcom Miller.  Radiochemistry and Nuclear Chemistry, K Heinrich Lieser. Modern Nuclear Chemistry, W Loveland, D.J Morrissey, G.T Seaborg.

Teaching methods

The teaching consists of lectures in the classroom  delivered through multimedia presentations.

During the course two lectures will be held, in the field of radiation protection and medical applications of radiation, both seminars will be held during class time by industry experts invited by the teacher.

All the teaching material used during the lessons is made available on aulaweb.

LESSONS START

The lessons will start on March 8th 2021

Exam description

The exam consists in an oral examination,  the exam commission is formed by two professors. Details on how to prepare for the exam and the degree of detail required for each topic will be provided at the beginning of the course and confirmed during lectures and exercises.

Assessment methods

The oral exam will mainly focus on the topics covered during the lectures and will aim to assess the achievement of the appropriate level of knowledge, the ability to use this knowledge in the context of simple real cases. The ability to present the topics clearly and with correct terminology will also be evaluated.

Exam schedule