Role within programme and connections to other courses. The study of nuclear and particle physics draws mainly on quantum physics but, due to the semi-empirical nature of many of the nuclear models used, it also draws heavily on basic electromagnetism and other branches of physics. An understanding of nuclear physics is essential for work related to radiation therapy, in the nuclear energy sector, and in some branches of astrophysics. As for particle physics, as well as being a field in its own right, it has become inextricably linked to research in cosmology.
Content. Some overlap of topics with environmental physics and medical physics is to be expected, but the approach and depth will differ greatly. Exact content will be at the instructor’s discretion allowing the course to focus sometimes more on applications of nuclear physics, sometimes more on particle physics, etc. Usually offered on rotation with Atomic & Molecular Physics and Solid State Physics.