Nuclear and Particle Physics

Learning outcomes: At the end of the course, students will be familiar with the basic concepts of nuclear and particle physics. They will demonstrate a knowledge of simple nuclear models and understand the basic structure of particles and the main features of particle interactions. Students will understand the classification of particles and the quark structure of the hadrons and will be able to determine the most important quantum numbers of particles. After completing the course, students will understand the main principles of the theories of alpha- and beta-decay and will be able to apply these theories in predicting decay probabilities. The students will have the basic knowledge of nuclear astrophysics, will be able to explain how nuclear and particle physics phenomena play a role in the description of the evolution of the universe from the Big Bang to present day processes in stars.

Content: The course will cover the following topics:
Nuclear systematics; Nucleon-nucleon interaction; Nuclear models; Radioactivity; Models of alpha, beta and gamma decay, fission; Nuclear reactions; Particle interactions and families; Nuclear astrophysics; Detection techniques.

Teaching methods: lectures 26 h, exercises 10 h, presentations.