Nuclear Chemistry and Radiochemistry

General

Prefix

CHEM

Course Number

452

Course Level

Undergraduate

Department/Unit(s)

College/School

College of Science and Engineering

Description

Nuclear stability and structure; decay systematics and energetics; interactions of radiation with matter; nuclear energy; detection, measurement and characterization of radiation; application to chemical and biological problems. Lab.

Prerequisites

Credits

Min

3

Max

3

Repeatable

No

Goals and Diversity

MN Goal Course

No

Cultural Diversity

No

Learning Outcomes

Outcome

Use atomic structure to predict nuclear stability, balance nuclear chemical equations. Predict decay modes. Predict decay rates. Calculate rates of decay and energies of nuclear reactions. Apply E=mC2.

Outcome

Discuss the various interactions of radiation with matter. Determine the shielding requirements necessary to block radiation of different forms. Predict the health effects of exposure to various amounts and types of ionizing radiation. Recognize all sources of ionizing radiation. Determine the proper safety precautions necessary to safely work with radioactive sources. Calculate dose and exposures for all radiation types. Explain stochastic and genetic damage.

Outcome

Operate all counting equipment effectively including survey meters and various radiation detectors. Employ appropriate techniques to analyze radioactive materials and critically assess the merit of results. Employ proper shielding and monitoring of radioactive sources including the handling of wastes generated. Maintain accurate records including a properly formatted laboratory notebook.

Outcome

Write formal laboratory reports following the ACS style guide. Effectively present a topic in nuclear or radiochemistry to their peers in a formal setting.

Dependencies

Programs

CHEM452 is a completion requirement for: