Ateneo - UPO

The course provides the basic knowledge of nuclear chemistry and radiochemistry, with a particular focus on medical applications.

The course slides will be made available on DIR e-learning platform. The following texts may be useful for consultation:The 'Nuclear Chemistry' chapter in the textbooks recommended for the General Chemistry course;Paolo E. Volpe, Le radiazioni. Conoscerle per difendersi, Aracne;Gregory Choppin, Jan-Olov Liljenzin, Jan Rydberg, Christian Ekberg, Radiochemistry and Nuclear Chemistry, Academic Press.

The course aims to provide fundamental knowledge on atomic nucleus stability, radioactive decay, the interaction of radiation with matter, and the main applications of radiochemistry, particularly in medicine.

Course contents of General and Inorganic Chemistry. In particular, atomic structure and reaction kinetics.

Teaching in lecture halls with theoretical lessons and collective discussions.

Students with physical disabilities, Learning Disabilities or Special Education Needs can request specific services and tools via the Staff Sviluppo e Coordinamento Carriere e Servizi alle Studentesse e agli Studenti, consulting the University webpage: https://www.uniupo.it/en/services/servicesstudents-physical-or-learning-disabilities. Students with disabilities, learning disabilities or special education needs, once they have contacted the University Staff, can refer to the tutor in charge of the course to define the examination modalities, concerning academic aspects.

The exam includes a one-hour written test (consisting of 2 problems on balancing nuclear reactions or decay kinetics, and 4 multiple-choice questions rotated across the entire course syllabus; maximum 18 points). If the written test is passed (minimum 10/18 points), it is followed by an oral presentation, supported by slides, on an in-depth personal study of one of the course topics (maximum 12 points), for which 2 questions will be asked. A passing grade is achieved by demonstrating basic knowledge of radioactive decay reactions and their main applications. Excellence is achieved by demonstrating an excellent mastery of all syllabus topics, the ability to independently explore these subjects in depth and the use of appropriate scientific language.The final grade for the entire course will be the result of a joint evaluation by the professors, which will take into account the outcomes of the tests from both course modules.

Radioactivity and nuclear stability. Nuclear decay reactions and radioactive series. Balancing nuclear reactions. Introduction to nuclear fission and fusion. Decay rate. Radiometric dating. Neutron activation. Radioactive tracers in chemical reactions. Interaction of radiation with matter. Radioisotopes for radiotherapy and radiodiagnostics.

Knowledge and Understanding: Understanding the structure of the atomic nucleus, its stability, and the different modes of radioactive decay. Knowing the physical principles underlying the interaction of radiation with matter. Learning the biological effects of radiation.Applying Knowledge and Understanding: Knowing how to balance a nuclear reaction and perform calculations on decay kinetics.Judgment Autonomy:Knowing how to assess risks and benefits in the use of radionuclides, particularly in the medical and industrial sectors. Developing a critical awareness of radioactive waste management and environmental issues.Communication Skills: Knowing how to communicate the course topics and the results of personal in-depth study clearly and concisely, using correct scientific language.Learning skills: ability to use the teaching material for a critical and reasoned study; skill to autonomously in-depth study a subject related to the course and to analyze data (even though not personally obtained) based on the assimilated knowledges.