This course is intended to teach students the basic physics principles and applications of radiation detecting instruments, with laboratory exercises. The course emphasizes techniques and instrumentation for nuclear radiation detection and measurements as they relate to health physics (radiation safety) and nuclear physics. Laboratory exercises implement classroom knowledge through experience with various counting systems. Course Outcomes: 1. Explain radioactivity, radiation interactions, and counting statistics (SLO 1, 2, 4) 2. Describe the general properties of radiation detectors (SLO 1, 2, 3) 3. Demonstrate pulse processing, shaping and pulse functions (SLO 1, 2, 3, 4) 4. Explain and demonstrate the multichannel pulse analysis (SLO 1, 2, 4) 5. Determine the proper materials for radiation shielding in a medical facility (SLO 1, 2, 3) 6. Demonstrate use gas-filled detectors (SLO 1, 2, 3, 4) 7. Demonstrate use of scintillation detectors (SLO 1, 2, 3, 4) 8. Evaluate methods for radiation spectroscopy (SLO 1, 2, 3) 9. Demonstrate use of semiconductor detectors (SLO 1, 2, 3, 4) 10. Demonstrate use of neutron detectors (SLO 1, 2, 3, 4)
Prerequisite
Completion of HPHYS 305 with a 2.5 or higher, or instructor permission.