UCL - Nuclear chemistry

[CHM1382]

[22.5h + 7.5h] 3 credits

This course is taught in the 1st semester.

Teacher(s): Jean Ladrière

Language: French

Level: First

Aims
Main themes
Content and teaching methods
Other information (prerequisite, evaluation (assessment methods), course materials recommended readings, ...)

Aims

The course aims at giving an extended knowledge of the atomic nucleus, stable and unstable, in order to master the theoretical concepts and the various applications related to isotopes, radioactivity and nuclear reactions. It also aims at giving a fundamental understanding of interactions between radiations and matter. This course is proposed to all students wanting to obtain or complete a formation in domains where radioactivity and ionizing radiations are used.

Main themes

The course contains a description of fundamental physical properties of the atomic nucleus allowing an in-depth analysis of stability of nuclei and of the different modes of nuclear decays. It also describes the basic principles of nuclear reactions used to produce radioelements or nuclear energy. Finally, the use of tracers and the measurement of their radioactivity are applied in various fields (chemistry, biology, medicine, archaeology).

Content and teaching methods

1. Stability of atomic nuclei, radioactivity and nuclear disintegrations.
2. Production of radioelements: nuclear reactions. Irradiation conditions.
3. Measurement of radioactivity
4. Chemical and biological effects, and dosimetry of radiations.
5. Energy production: nuclear fission and fusion.
6. Applications of nuclear chemistry: isotopic exchange and use of radioactive tracers in chemistry. Use of labelled molecules in biology and nuclear medicine. Datation methods.

Other information (prerequisite, evaluation (assessment methods), course materials recommended readings, ...)

Background:
Basic notions in general and physical chemistry (1st and 2nd year of the bachelor degree).