Special physics practice

Course annotation

Special physics practice (5 European Credits)

Taught by: Assoc. Prof. Ivan Klykov, Nikolay Alexandrov

The course covers modern ideas about atoms’ structure, allows students to understand the origins and patterns of optical and X-ray spectra, and also promotes the development of skills for using laboratory equipment and handling the results obtained with the use of modern software tools. The course introduces the basic principles of physics and their mathematical expression, basic physical phenomena, methods of observation and experimental research; it teaches to express physics ideas correctly, quantitatively formulate and solve physics issues, evaluate the orders of physics quantities; gives students a clear idea of ​​the limits of physics models and theories’ applicability. The course provides students with the practical skills of experimental work, introduces them to the main methods of physics quantities’ accurate measurement, the simplest methods of processing experiment results and basic physics devices. It also help students acquire philosophical and methodological issues of modern physics, introduces the history of its development stages, gives students a correct understanding of the role of physics in scientific and technological progress, develops students’ curiosity and interest in science, technology and other application issues.

The module covers the following topics:

·   Section 1. Atomic structure and radiation.

·   Section 2. Quantum theory of blackbody.

·   Section 3. Quantum properties of radiation.

·   Section 4. Key provisions of nuclear physics.

·   Section 5. Nuclear radiation.

·   Section 6. Biomedical applications of physical basics.

Learning objectives

The course objective: obtaining systematic knowledge of the basic atomic and nuclear physics principles, acquiring practical skills in the use of atomic and nuclear physics laboratory instruments.

As a result of the course, a student must:

·   know and understand: the physical principles being as the base of medical diagnosis and treatment; the physical principles that underlie the devices used in atomic and nuclear physics laboratories; the basic neurology, the fundamentals and practice of medical diagnosis and therapy; the fundamentals of biosafety, regulations and guidelines; the appropriate physics and mathematics to assess quality of measurements and to evaluate the integral based indices; the biostatistics data processing methods for laboratory research and population studies;  the basic high-performance supercomputer systems, concepts and terminology in cloud computing, applications and basic infrastructure of cloud services;

·   be able to: practical experience and practical skills of experimental research, experience  in using atomic and nuclear physics laboratory instruments; experience with classification and assessment of biosystems by means of spectroscopic instruments; experience  with using optical methods to measure parameters of biological systems; experience with research design, including experimental setup and selection of materials and methods; experience with creating models of diseases with laboratory animals and composing a detailed experimental protocol; practical skills of obeying safety rules in a potentially hazardous laboratory environment; practical experience in using cloud technologies for biomedical research;

·   master: modern computer technology for solving research-production and technological issues of professional activity;

·   learning skills: ability to apply the skills of  organization and planning of research and production activities in practice; ability to independently maintain and extend professional knowledge and competences; experience with problem-based learning; work experience in various research laboratories; experience with e-learning and distant learning.

Content of the module

The course discusses the basic principles of atomic and nuclear physics, planetary model of the atom. Quantum Bohr postulates. The Franck-Hertz experiment. The study of excited atoms. Spontaneous emission. Absorption and stimulated emission. Derivation of Planck's formula for Einstein. Study of a blackbody. Kirchhoff's law. The Stefan-Boltzmann law. Wien's displacement law. Planck's formula. Photoelectric effect and Einstein's equation. Short-wave boundary of the continuous X-ray spectrum. The Compton effect. Nuclear structure of atoms. Periodic system of elements. Isotopes. X-ray characteristics. X-ray spectra. The Moseley principle. Nuclear radiation. Theory of alpha - radiation. The Geiger-Nettola principle. Range of alpha particles. The absorption of alpha particles. Range of beta particles. Beta decay. The absorption of beta particles. Gamma radiation. Absorption of gamma radiation.

Laboratory classes form skills in the practical use of atomic and nuclear physics laboratory instruments, and experimental work. The Franck-Hertz experiment. Study of a blackbody. Stefan-Boltzmann principle. Photoelectric effect and Einstein's equation. Photoelectric effect principles. Regularities of atomic spectra. Determination of the Rydberg constant. Wave properties of particles. Nuclear electron diffraction structure of atoms. Isotopes. X-ray characteristics. γ- radiation. Weakening of γ- radiation with different materials. α- radiation. Α-radiation absorption. β- radiation. The spectrum of β- particles. X-ray diffraction. Bragg formula. Use of X-rays in determination of atomic constants. Statistical patterns of radioactive decay. Determination of the radioactive drug activity. Determination of half-life of long-lived isotope. Nuclear radiation. Theory of alpha decay. The Geiger-Nettola principle. Range of alpha particles. The absorption of alpha particles. Beta particle spectrum. Beta decay. The absorption of beta particles. Gamma radiation. Absorption of gamma radiation.

Overview of tasks and lectures

The course is scheduled for the first and second semesters (1 semester – 3 сredits / 108 hours, including 36 hours in the classroom; 2 semester – 2 сredits / 72 hours, including 24 hours in the classroom).

Topics of lectures:

1. Planetary model of the atom. Quantum Bohr postulates. Franck-Hertz experiment. The study of excited atoms.

2. Spontaneous emission. Absorption and stimulated emission. Einstein's derivation of Planck's formula.

3. Study of a blackbody. Kirchhoff's principle.Stefan-Boltzmann principle. Wien's displacement principle. Planck's formula.

4. Photoelectric effect and Einstein's equation.

5. Short-wave boundary of the continuous X-ray spectrum. Compton effect.

6. Nuclear structure of atoms. Periodic system of elements. Isotopes.

7. X-ray characteristics. X-ray spectra.

8. Moseley principle. Nuclear radiation. Alpha radiation theory. The Geiger-Nettola principle. Range of alpha particles. The absorption of alpha particles.

9. Range of beta particles. Beta decay. The absorption of beta particles. Gamma radiation. Absorption of the gamma radiation.

10. Physical principles in biomedical applications.

Position within the programme

The module is included in the basic part of the programme and is aimed at the mastering of modern laboratory equipment and techniques. The knowledge and skills are crucial for the formation of a researcher's skills. This module provides a framework for courses of the programme.

Teaching format

Structure

The course is scheduled for the first and second semesters. The total complexity of the course is 5 credits (1 semester – 3 сredits / 108 hours, including 36 hours in the classroom; 2 semester – 2 сredits / 72 hours, including 24 hours in the classroom). 10 two-hour lectures, 40 hours are devoted to carrying out laboratory practical. Lectures are given in a multimedia auditorium, equipped with technical means for video conferencing, as well as presentation and interactive equipment. Laboratory classes are given with the use of TSU atomic and nuclear physics training laboratory physics devices and equipment. They are aimed at consolidating the theoretical material and practical skills of using atomic and nuclear physics laboratory instruments for research purposes. Work is conducted under the teacher’s supervision.

Grading

The form of final assessment for the first and second semesters is a credit test (pass/fail examination) that assesses the quality of laboratory works and practical skills in the use of special laboratory facilities of physics practical classes.