KJM350 Radiochemistry

Credits (ECTS):10

Course responsible:Lindis Skipperud

Campus / Online:Taught campus Ås

Teaching language:Engelsk, norsk

Limits of class size:Maximum 15 and minimum 5 students. Check "Note".

Course frequency:Annually

Nominal workload:250 hours total.

Teaching and exam period:Autumn parallel.

About this course

Lectures: The properties of radionuclides including half life, radiation types and radiotoxicity. The biological effects of radiation and radiation protection. The use of measurement methods (alpa, beta, gamma radiation). Laboratory exercises: Simple tracer methods and the use of simple measurement methods for alpha radiation, beta radiation and gamma radiation in qualitative and quantitative analyses.

Learning outcome

Knowledge: Students will understand the properties of radioactive nuclides, including half-life, radiation types and radiotoxicity, as well as have insight into the biological effects of ionizing radiation and effective radiation protection. Students will have insight into methods for using radioactive tracers and measurement methods for alpha, beta and gamma radiation for qualitative and quantitative analysis. Students will understand that radioactivity is a phenomenon that humans have always been exposed to, that radioactivity can be used for good purposes (cancer therapy) and that measures can be implemented to reduce the unwanted effects of radioactive radiation. Students will have insight into the most important measures that can be used to reduce the unwanted effects of radioactive radiation in the event of radioactive fallout. Students must also understand that knowledge is important to reduce unnecessary anxiety and unrest associated with radioactivity in the population.

Skills: Students should be able to use radioactive tracers and radiological measurement methods in their own work. They must be able to choose the most appropriate radiochemical methods and follow the necessary radiation protection principles when working with open radioactive sources.

General competence: The course gives permission for independent use of open ionizing radiation sources. Students should be able to choose the best possible radioactive nuclide for their studies based on energy, half-life and suitability. They must be able to choose the best possible measurement technique and radiochemical method, as well as use the correct radiation protection principles. The students will be able to prepare and present technical and scientific information, both orally and in writing, with the help of laboratory assignments.

  • Radiochemistry including the knowledge about radioactive nuclides and radiation is an experimental subject where lectures and laboratory exercises are well integrated. The lectures are used for developing a basic understanding of the atom core and the nature of radiation and how one can use the properties of the radionuclides for quantitative and qualitative analysis. The laboratory exercises are adjusted to the lectures so that theoretical lectures are translated into practical laboratory work. Through laboratory journals, the students learning abilities are evaluated. Through 6 laboratory exercises, the student is to gain a practical introduction to all the central parts of the syllabus. The examination cannot be taken unless the journals have been approved. A passed examination gives a student permission to use ionising sources in his or her research projects.
  • Lectures. Guidance related to laboratory work, literature, and writing of journals.
  • KJM100, KJM120.
  • Total assessment:

    • Oral examination (60%)
    • Laboratory journals/reports (40%)

    Grading system: A-E/Not passed

  • An external examiner will assess the oral examination.
  • First lecture is obligatory. All laboratory excersises are obligatory.
  • Students who want to take the course must apply for admission in Studentweb no later than August 31st. After that, the places in the course will be distributed.
  • Lectures: 22-25 hours.

    Laboratory exercises: 6 exercises: about 30 hours.

    Individually journal writing and questions answered.

  • M-KJEMI, M-MILJØ.
  • Letter grades
  • Special requirements in Science.