2025 (Current Year) Faculty Courses School of Science Undergraduate major in Physics
Nuclear Physics
- Academic unit or major
- Undergraduate major in Physics
- Instructor(s)
- Takashi Nakamura / Kazuyuki Sekizawa
- Class Format
- Lecture (Face-to-face)
- Media-enhanced courses
- -
- Day of week/Period
(Classrooms) - 3-4 Tue (M-123(H111)) / 3-4 Fri (M-123(H111))
- Class
- -
- Course Code
- PHY.F350
- Number of credits
- 200
- Course offered
- 2025
- Offered quarter
- 3Q
- Syllabus updated
- Jan 21, 2026
- Language
- Japanese
Syllabus
Course overview and goals
A nucleus is a quantum few body system composed of proton and neutron with strong interaction (nuclear force). It is unique in the sense that it has two features: quantum properties and semi-classical picture. The lecture is given on basics of nuclear physics such as properties of nuclear structure, characteristics of nuclear force, β-decay. Relations to particle physics, and applications to nucleosynthesis in the universe and nuclear physics of neutron star are also explained. Introductions to unstable nuclei which are intensively studied recently are given.
The purpose of the course is to let students understand basics of nuclei which exist in atoms in materials. It is also intended that students understand the characteristics of nuclear force as strong force and study the features of nuclei such as shell structure. Another purpose of the lecture is to let students learn nuclear physics as the first example of application of quantum mechanics.
Course description and aims
The aim of the course is to provide an introductory explanation so that students understand basics of nuclear physics. In particular, students are expected to learn about nuclear structure, properties of nuclear force (strong interaction), β-decay (weak interaction), and γ-decay (electromagnetic interaction) as a quantum few body system. Furthermore, students learn how nuclear physics is applied to astrophysics and particle physics.
Themes in the course are gross properties of nuclei, the size and mass of nuclei, nuclear force and strong interaction, shell structure, deformation and collective motion of nuclei, α-decay, β-decay, γ-decay, fission, unstable nuclei, hypernuclei, quark physics, astro-nuclear physics.
Keywords
Nuclei, binding energy, α-decay, β-decay, γ-decay, fission, isospin, nuclear force, Yukawa meson theory, πmeson, Yukawa potential、Fermi gas model, shell mode, magic numbers
Competencies
- Specialist skills
- Intercultural skills
- Communication skills
- Critical thinking skills
- Practical and/or problem-solving skills
Class flow
We will both write on the blackboard and show slides. Practical problems are given in the class and students are expected to solve them during the class or as homework for further understanding.
Course schedule/Objectives
| Course schedule | Objectives | |
|---|---|---|
| Class 1 | Gross properties of nuclei |
Explain typical properties of nuclei |
| Class 2 | Size of nuclei |
Explain the ratio of sizes of a nucleus and an atom. |
| Class 3 | Mass of nuclei, binding energy |
Explain the mass formula and binding energy based on it. |
| Class 4 | Properties of nuclear force |
Explain properties of nuclear force inferred from knowledge on deuteron. |
| Class 5 | Fermi gas model for nuclei |
Explain the Fermi gas models for nuclei |
| Class 6 | Nuclear structure 1 (Independent particle picture, magic numbers, and shell model) |
Explain the independent particle picture of nucleons |
| Class 7 | Nuclear structure 2 (Shell model) |
Explain the magic numbers of atomic nuclei |
| Class 8 | Unstable nuclei and nucleosynthesis |
Explain relationship between unstable nuclei and nucleosynthesis |
| Class 9 | Mean-field potential, shell structure, and deformation |
Explain why and how magic numbers appear. |
| Class 10 | Decay of nucleus (1) (α-decay) |
Explain in which conditions α-decay is permitted. |
| Class 11 | Decay of nucleus (2) (fission) |
Explain why the fission barrier exists. |
| Class 12 | Decay of nucleus (3) (β- and γ-decays) |
Explain the selection rules of beta and gamma decays. |
| Class 13 | Nuclei in the Cosmos |
Explain the role of atomic nuclei in the evolution of the Universe. |
| Class 14 | Frontier of nuclear physics: from nuclei to neutron stars |
Explain the relationship between nuclei and neutron stars. |
Study advice (preparation and review)
To enhance effective learning, students are encouraged to spend approximately 100 minutes preparing for class and another 100 minutes reviewing class content afterwards (including assignments) for each class.
They should do so by referring to textbooks and other course material.
Textbook(s)
Textbooks are introduced in the class.
Reference books, course materials, etc.
'Particles and Nuclei - an introduction to physical concepts', B. Povh et al., Springer Verlag.
'Introductory Nuclear Physics', Kenneth S. Krane, John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
'Nuclear Physics', Kosuke Yagi, Asakura Publishing Co., Ltd.
'Physics of Unstable Nuclei', Takashi Nakamura, Kyoritsu Shuppan Publishing Co., Ltd.
Evaluation methods and criteria
Nakamura part: Continuous assessment (attendance, assignments) 30%, Exam 70%
Sekizawa part: Continuous assessment (attendance, quiz) 20%, Exam 80%
Related courses
- PHY.Q207 ： Introduction to Quantum Mechanics
- PHY.Q208 ： Quantum Mechanics II(Lecture)
- PHY.F351 ： Elementary Particles
- PHY.F352 ： Physics of the Universe
Prerequisites
It is required that students have basic knowledge on quantum physics.
Office hours
It is recommended to ask quations just after the class.
Other
Lecture 1-3 and 5-8 will be given by Nakamura. Lecture 4 and 9-11 will be given by Sekizawa.