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PHY-20045 - Module Specification
School of Chemical and Physical Sciences
Faculty of Natural Sciences

For academic year: 2026/27 Last Updated: 17 March 2026

PHY-20045 - Nuclear Physics
Coordinator: Raphael Hirschi Room: LJ2.09 Tel: +44 1782 7 33324
Lecture Time: See Timetable...
Level: Level 5
Credits: 15
Study Hours: 150
School Office: 01782 734921

Programme/Approved Electives for 2026/27

None

Available as a Free Standing Elective

No

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites



Barred Combinations

None

Description for 2026/27

Nuclear physics is a key component in decarbonising our energy generation and is literally at the heart of stellar astrophysics. You will extend the ideas developed in quantum and atomic physics to understand the components and composition of atomic nuclei, nuclear stability, fusion, fission and radioactive decay. You will then apply those concepts to the generation of nuclear power, both here on Earth and at the centres of the Sun and other stars.

Aims
This module aims to enable students to describe and explain key concepts in nuclear and particle physics, provide them with the problem solving skills (including setting out problems and their solutions, using approximations, putting words into equations and vice versa) required to address questions in nuclear and particle physics and carry out related numerical calculations (mathematical and computational skills).

Intended Learning Outcomes

describe, explain and apply qualitatively and quantitatively concepts and phenomena in nuclear and particle physics: 1,2
solve problems by performing mathematical and numerical calculations relevant to nuclear and particle physics: 1,2
analyse problems and apply nuclear theory to solve new problems in the context of these disciplines independently.: 1,2

Study hours

48 Active Learning Hours:
24 hours of lectures
24 hours physics practicals
Independent Study Hours:
2.5 hours examination;
24 hours assessed problem-solving exercises;
75.5 hours of examination revision and private study.

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment

1: Exam weighted 70%
Unseen written examination
A 2.5-hour exam worth 100 marks consisting of 8-10 compulsory short questions (equally weighted and adding to 40%) and 3-4 long questions of which students chose 2 questions (equally weighted and adding to 60%).

2: Problem Sheets weighted 30%
Problem-solving worksheets and activities
A selection of in-class and independent-study tasks and worksheets to be completed at specific times during the academic year, pertaining to the material covered until that point. Equivalent to ~ 2000 words combined

The University undertakes a continuous review of its teaching and research provision to ensure programmes are of a high quality and changes may be made to modules where it is necessary and reasonable to do so. Please be aware that minor changes to modules, such as a change to an individual assessment, can occur up until enrolment, although we endeavour to give you as much notice as possible of any changes. Details about the circumstance in which changes are made to programmes can be found in the Student Agreement, available at: https://www.keele.ac.uk/legalgovernancecompliance/governance/actcharterstatutesordinancesandregulations/studenttermsconditions/

Last Updated: 17 March 2026