Neutron Methods 390-FM2-2MNE
Profile: Academic
Form: Stationary
Subject: Optional
Module: Selected Problems of Physics
Branch of science and discipline of science: Physical science; Medical physics
Year/Semester: 2 year/3 semester, second degree study
Prerequisites: Students attending lectures and seminars should have well-established knowledge in the field of physics and computational methods acquired in previous learning modules.
Didactic units: lecture - 15 hrs and seminars - 15 hrs.
Didactic methods: Lectures in the form of the multimedia presentations are supported by seminars where students have to solve problems, discuss, consult and do homework, etc.
ECTS credits: 2
The balance of student workload: participation in lectures (15 hours), participation in the seminar (15 hours), participation in the consultations (3 hours), and the total student workload in order to achieve learning outcomes (49 hours);
Quantitative indicators: student workload associated with activities that require direct participation of teachers - 33 hours.
The themes of the lectures:
1. The definitions of basic concepts: natural and artificial radioactivity, ionizing and non-ionizing radiation, acumen of radiation, nuclear change, energy balance of nuclear reactions, mass defect, binding energy;
2. Nuclear forces, the stability of nuclei of natural and artificial isotopes, the methods of producing artificial sources, radioactive decay, kinetics, decay schemes, energy, half-life times, the use of selected radionuclides;
3. Properties of neutrons, neutron classification due to their energy, the mechanisms of neutron interactions with the absorbent matter and scattering one as well as with the fission matter, the cross-section of the desired reaction;
4. Sources of neutrons, neutron absorbents, slowing of the neutrons, moderators type of graphite and water thermalization scenarios;
5. The neutron detectors, TE ionization chambers, the characteristics of neutron flux reactor, the characteristics of the neutron pulse sources;
6. Radionuclides, Neutron activation analysis: Radiochemical NAA and instrumental NAA;
7. The equipment and methodology used in the boron-neutron therapy (BNCT) at the Maria reactor (construction phase);
8. Geometrical factors of irradiated environment: size of the inlet field, the distance from the irradiated surface of the source, the collimating systems of neutron beams;
9. The ways of polarization of the neutrons, the method of transmission of polarizing filters, polarized mirror, polarization by Bragg reflection from a ferromagnetic single crystal, the method of reversing the spin, so-called spin-flop methods;
10. Nuclear reactions used in radiotherapy, the examples of some radioactive isotopes;
11. The isodose distributions of neutrons with an energy of 50 MeV, neutron kerma factors, principles of dosimetry neutron-photon beams, the ratio of kerma's factors;
12. Neutron dosimetry, physical parameters for dosimetry with ionization chambers TE, mean absorbed dose, equivalent dose, effective dose, power meters, monitors radioactive contamination, dosimeters signaling devices;
13. Therapy proton-neutron achievements and forecasts, comparative summary of photon therapy;
14. Model phantom material, reference material dosimetry;
Type of course
Mode
Prerequisites (description)
Learning outcomes
Student :
- understands fundamental meaning of physics in technological, economic and civilization development (K_W01);
- knows limitations of applications of chosen physical theories, models of physical objects and descriptions of physical phenomena (K_W05);
- has basic knowledge regarding atomic physics, molecule, solid-state physics, physics of atomic nuclei, elementary particles and basic interactions in nature (K_W16);
-can analyze problems regarding optics and physics of wave phenomena, find and present their solutions on basis of acquired knowledge and using known tools of mathematics run quantitative analysis and draw qualitative conclusions (K_U12);
-can critically and with understanding use literature and information technology resources with the reference to foundations of physics (K_U17);
- knows the limitations of their knowledge and understands the need for further learning, raising professional, personal and social skills (K_K01);
- can independently find information in literature and Internet resources, also in foreign languages (K_K05);
- can express opinions about fundamental issues of physics and its applications, understands social aspects of applications in physics and responsibility connected with it (K_K06).
Assessment criteria
Lectures
Students listen to a lecture. They participate actively in the discussion of problems and issues that arise in the material of the lecture as well as they participate in solving examples.
Methods of neutron end with a written exam after completing the seminar course.
Students have usually received a list of tasks to be solved, the content of which is correlated with the content of the lecture. During the seminar course, they present tasks solution and discuss ways to solve. The particular attention has to be paid to the understanding of the concepts used and content, as well as the clarity of presentation. Teacher stimulates the group to ask questions and discussion. Students are encouraged to work as a team.
The written exam of the seminar course takes place on the basis of an assessment which takes into account:
• the ability to solve the tasks,
• understanding of posed questions,
• ability to use tables and literature
• active participation.
Evaluation criteria:
% pkt. assessment
<0, 50%) 2 (insufficient)
<50%, 60%) 3 (sufficient)
<60%, 70%) 3,5 (sufficient plus)
<70%, 80%) 4 (good)
<80%, 90%) 4,5 (good plus)
<90%, 100%) 5 (very good)
Practical placement
Mandatory monthly practices are carried out in Bialystok Oncology Centre.
Bibliography
Mandatory bibliography:
L. Dobrzyński, K. Blinowski, Handbook on Neutron and Solid State Physics, ed. M. Cooper, Ellis Horwood series in Physics and its applications 1994.
A. Oleś et al. Magnetic Structure Determinated by Neutron Diffraction, PWN Warszawa 1976.
Textbooks available on the Internet (free of charge).
Additional information
Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system: