Structure of Matter
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Course code
MLF6019.LT
old course code
Course title in Estonian
Aine struktuur
Course title in English
Structure of Matter
ECTS credits
7.0
Assessment form
Examination
lecturer of 2023/2024 Spring semester
Not opened for teaching. Click the study programme link below to see the nominal division schedule.
lecturer of 2024/2025 Autumn semester
Not opened for teaching. Click the study programme link below to see the nominal division schedule.
Course aims
To support the development of systematic knowledge of the structure of matter on different levels, of nuclear and radiation physics;
To support the integrative understanding of physics and biology via radiation physics.

To enable the acquisition of a systematic overview and deepened knowledge of the structure of matter as one part of physics;
To support the development of the skill of measuring radiation with measurement devices;
To support the development of the skills of conducting an experiment, and collecting and analysing data of radiation physics.
Brief description of the course
The basics of atomic physics: Bohr's atomic model, the quantum mechanical model of the atom, x-ray, Moseley's law. The basics of nuclear physics: Radioactivity, the composition of an atomic nucleus, atomic power, binding energy, nuclear reactions. Elementary particles. The interaction between radiation and matter, measuring radioactive radiation. The biological impact of radiation.
Solving exercises on the aforementioned topics.
Laboratory works. The Geiger-Müller counter, its adjustment and working with it. Exploring the absorption and dispersion of ionising radiation. Half-life period and determining the half-life period. Exploring the laws of infra-red radiation. Exploring the parameters of the radiation of an absolutely black body. Spectral analysis.
Learning outcomes in the course
Upon completing the course the student:
- knows the different levels of the structure of matter;
- understands the structure and development of the physical world;
- understands radiation protection, and the impact of different types of radiation on living organisms;
- can solve the problem exercises related to radiation and nuclear physics.
- can apply the laws of radiation physics and atomic physics while describing and analysing the experiment results;
- can conduct experiments on the structure of matter and on radiation physics, apply the respective theory while analysing the experiment data;
- has skill to choose and use appropriate measurement instruments, to measure the radioactivity of preparations, and to apply safety requirements while handling radioactive preparations;
- can assess the validity of the obtained results and compare them with conclusions deducted from theory.
Teacher
Erkki Soika PhD; Neeme Lumi PhD
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