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Introduction to Nuclear and Particle Physics

Code: 103949
Credits: 5
2026/2027
Degree programme Type Course
Physics OP 3

Contact lecturer

Name :
María del Pilar Casado Lechuga
Email :
pilar.casado@uab.cat

Teaching staff

Carlos Domingo Miralles
María del Pilar Casado Lechuga
José Flix Molina
María José Garcia Fuste

Group languages

You can consult this information at the end of the document.

Prerequisites

There are none.

Objectives

Study of the physics of atomic nuclei.

Study of the basic components of matter, elementary particles.

Learning outcomes

  1. Communicate complex information in an effective, clear and concise manner, either orally, in writing or through ICTs, in front of both specialist and general publics.
  2. Use critical reasoning, show analytical skills, correctly use technical language and develop logical arguments
  3. Describe the constituents of matter.
  4. Describe the main features of the atomic nucleus, its stability, shape and size.
  5. Describe the basic nuclear models (Establishers, liquid drop, rotational-vibrational).
  6. Calculate the kinematics of nuclear reactions.
  7. Describe the classification of subatomic particles based on fundamental constituents.
  8. Qualitatively describe fundamental interactions.
  9. Use relativistic kinematics in the description of particle interactions.
  10. Describe the production and properties of radioisotopes.
  11. Describe the operation of radiation detectors.
  12. Describe medical, industrial and energy-based applications of nuclear and particle physics technology.
  13. Establish the foundation for the study of radiation physics and its applications.
  14. Establish the foundation for the study of astrophysics (nuclear collisions, fusion, fission, the neutrino physics of the Sun and supernovae).
  15. Establish the foundation for quantum field theory and the description of fundamental interactions.
  16. Establish the foundation for the study of cosmology (big bang, expansion of the universe, and inflation).
  17. Use groups in the description of symmetries.
  18. Use the mathematical formulation of quantum mechanics.
  19. Work independently, take initiative itself, be able to organize to achieve results and to plan and execute a project.
  20. Identify situations in which a change or improvement is needed.
  21. Identify the social, economic and environmental implications of academic and professional activities within one's own area of knowledge.
  22. Explain the explicit or implicit code of practice of one's own area of knowledge.

Contents

Nuclear properties; semiempirical formula of the mass; nuclear stability, alpha, beta and 
gamma disintegrations and selection rules; dispersion, effective section and form factor; 
distribution of cargo and nuclear matter; strong nuclear interaction between nucleons; 
nuclear structure; collisions and nuclear reactions

Elementary particles: quarks and leptons; fundamental interactions; relativistic kinematics; 
symmetries and conservation laws; specific properties of the fundamental interactions.

Learning activities and methodology

Title Hours ECTS Learning outcomes
Tutorials 6 0.24 6, 7, 8, 12
Own work of the students 69 2.76 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 16
Theoretical and problem classes 41 1.64 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 13, 14, 15, 17, 18

Part of the tutorials was used to perform continuous evaluation.

Annotation: within the schedule set by the centre or degree programme, 15 minutes of one class will be reserved for students to evaluate their lecturers and their courses or modules through questionnaires.

Assessment

Continuous assessment activities

Title Weight Hours ECTS Learning outcomes
Delivery of reports and / or works of particle physics 7,5% 0 0 2, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 19, 21
Delivery of reports and / or works of Nuclear Physics 5% 0 0 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 11, 12, 13, 14, 19, 21
Retake exams (theoretical / practical / synthesis) of nuclear physics and particle physics 72,5% 3 0.12 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 22
Theoretical / practical partial exam / synthesis of Nuclear Physics 30% 2.5 0.1 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 22
Theoretical / practical partial exam / synthesis of particle physics 42.5% 2.5 0.1 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 17, 18, 22
Continuous evaluation tests / monitoring of nuclear physics 15% 1 0.04 3, 4, 5, 6, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 16, 20

The two parts of the subject (nuclear physics and particle physics) are evaluated separately.


The nuclear physics mark is obtained as:

Nuclear mark = 0.6 x Nuclear partial grade + 0.3 x Nuclear test grade + 0.1 x Nuclear deliveries grade

Students who have assessed the partial and do not pass the nuclear physics grade will have the opportunity to take the nuclear physics part of the replay exam, the grade of which will replace the partial exam grade. The grade for the tests and deliveries will remain unchanged, as they are considered continuous evaluation.


The particle physics mark is obtained as:

Particle mark = 0.90 x Partial grade + 0.10 x particle deliveries grade

Students who have assessed the partial and do not pass the particle partial mark will have the opportunity to take the particle physics part of the replay exam, the mark of which will replace the particle physics partial grade.


The final mark of the subject is 0.5 x Nuclear mark + 0.5 x Particle mark, as long as the mark of each partial exam (or its replay) exceeds 3.5 points. Otherwise, the subject is not passed.


Students who will opt for Unique Assessment (UA) will be examined on the day of the 2nd term exam for all the contents of the course.

The duration and place for the UA exam will be agreed during the course. The second test for UA students will take place on the day of the make-up exam with the whole class.


There will be a part for Nuclear and another for Particles. In order to pass the course, the grade on each part must be above 3.5 and the average above 5.


For this course, the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies is permitted exclusively for support tasks, such as bibliographic or information searches, text editing, or translation. Students must clearly identify which parts were generated using this technology, specify the tools employed, and include a critical reflection on how these tools influenced the process and the final outcome of the activity. Failure to be transparent about the use of AI in this assessable activity will be considered a lack of academic honesty and may result in a partial or total grade penalty, or more severe sanctions in serious cases.


Bibliography

Introduction to Elementary Particles, D. Griffiths; John Wiley and Sons, Inc, 1987.

 

Nuclear and Particle Physics, W.S.C. Williams; Oxford Science Publishing, 1996.

Software

No specific software is required

Course groups and languages

The information provided is provisional until November 30. After this date, you will be able to consult the language of each group through this link. To access the information, you will need to enter the course CODE

Type of teaching Group Language Semester Shift
(TE) Theory 1 Catalan second semester morning-mixed
(PAUL) Classroom practices 1 Catalan second semester morning-mixed