RAD310 Radiochemistry and analysis of radionuclides
Credits (ECTS):10
Course responsible:Lindis Skipperud
Campus / Online:Taught campus Ås
Teaching language:Engelsk
Limits of class size:Maximum 20 and min 5 students. See notes!
Course frequency:Annually
Nominal workload:250 hours
Teaching and exam period:This course starts in Spring parallel. This course has teaching/evaluation in Spring parallel.
About this course
Lectures: Brief repetition of the properties of radioactive nuclides, half-lives, and types of emitted radiation. Counting statistics. Nuclear reactions and neutron activation analysis. Radiochemical equilibria. Sampling, pre-processing and dissolution of samples. Speciation of radionuclides in environmental samples. Required radiochemical separation for different radionuclides. Analysis of gamma-emitting radionuclides using HPGe and NaI(Tl) detectors. Analysis of beta emitting radionuclides by liquid scintillation counting. Analysis of alpha emitting radionuclides using alpha spectrometry. Purity requirements for radiometric measurement methods. Analysis of long-living nuclides using mass spectrometry techniques, using ICP-MS, AMS, &c. Measurement and interpretation of isotope ratios for ‘nuclear forensics’ purposes. Purity requirements for mass-based measurement methods, such as ICP-MS, AMS, &c. Production and use of radionuclides for diagnostics and treatment.
Laboratory exercises: Pre-treatment and analysis of selected environmental samples. Analysis of important gamma-emitting radionuclides using HPGe and NaI(Tl) detectors. Analysis of beta-emitting radionuclides by radiochemical separation and liquid scintillation counting. Analysis of selected alpha-emitting radionuclides using radiochemical separation and alpha-spectrometry. Analysis of plutonium isotopic ratios using ICP-MS. Comparison of complementary methods (gamma spectrometry, alpha spectrometry, liquid scintillation counting and mass spectrometry).
Learning outcome
Knowledge: The students should have knowledge of the most important principles for analysis and measurement of gamma-, beta- and alpha-emitting radionuclides, including different radiochemical separation methods. They should know which radionuclides should be analysed in the environment for risk analysis and for ‘nuclear forensics’ needs, as well as some knowledge of the use of radionuclides and radiochemistry in medicine and industry.
Skills: The students should understand the principles and possible sources of error in the analysis of gamma, beta and alpha radiation and know why it is important to have appropriate radiochemical separation strategies. They will be able to use the literature to select the best possible sampling program and analysis program for environmental samples. They will have tested different radiochemical separation methods in the laboratory.
General competence: After completing the course, the students should be able to perform sampling, analyse and report the extent of radionuclides in a given sample, and be able to present the results both orally and in writing. Using case studies and laboratory assignments, students should be able to prepare and present technical and scientific information, both orally and in writing.
- Radiochemistry and measurement methods is an experimental subject where lectures and laboratory exercises are closely integrated. The lectures are used to develop a basic understanding of how we can use the properties of atomic nuclei for qualitative and quantitative analysis and the necessity of radiochemical separation to avoid interference. The lectures and laboratory exercises are closely linked so that the theories presented in course lectures are applied to practical laboratory work. We will work with relevant material from the environment, which will be analysed and reported as it will be done at a modern radiological laboratory. Through interim reporting during the course culminating in a final written report, the students' learning ability is followed throughout the course progression. The 6-8 laboratory assignments will deliver a practical introduction to all key parts of the curriculum to the student. The final report and written home exam, as well as presentation of this, will together give the students the opportunity to show what they have learned.
- Lectures, laboratory supervision, literature (textbook and professional articles), journal guidance.
- KJM120, RAD210
- KJM240
Total assessment:
- Home exam (50%)
- Laboratory reports (50%)
Both parts must be passed.
Grading system: A-E/Fail.
- An external examiner will be used to evaluate the exam.
- The first lecture, laboratory exercises and oral presentation are mandatory. A written final report from all laboratory analyses is also mandatory.
- Students who want to take the course must apply for admission in Studentweb no later than January 20th. After that, the places in the course will be distributed.
Lectures and case work: 40-45 hours.
Laboratory exercises: approx. 60 hours in the laboratory (1 day/week x 12 weeks).
Individual report/journal writing, group work and follow-up.
- M-RAMI
- 5 ECTS reduced for KJM350
- Science.