This topic provides an introduction to Nuclear Physics and Statistical Mechanics.
The material to be taught in this topic will consist of a selection from the following lists:
Nuclear Physics: Basic properties of Nuclei, Scattering Theory, Nucleon-Nucleon Forces, Nuclear Models, Radioactive Decay, Nuclear Reactions, Fission, Fusion, Nuclear Astrophysics, Elementary Particles.
Statistical Mechanics: Classical and Quantum Distributions, Microcanonical, Canonical, and Grand Canonical Ensembles, Equipartition Theorem, Fermi Gas, Bose Gas, Blackbody Radiation, Debye Theory, Bose-Einstein Condensation
This topic aims to give students a sound understanding of Nuclear and Statistical Physics. In addition, it aims to enhance students understanding, while developing their problem solving abilities, by including topic-specific problem solving exercises. Similarly, the students laboratory based work is aimed to both enhance their understanding and to develop their experimental skills.