PHYS 6613 - Radioactivity and Radiation in the Environment

Prerequisites: ENVS 6600, CHEM 6601 or consent of the instructor. Basic principles of nuclear structure and radioactivity; the interaction of radiation with matter and biological effects of radiation; natural and man-made sources of radiation in the environment. The second half of the course focuses on long-term environmental effects of radiation accidents (e.g., Chernobyl and others) and the problems of nuclear waste disposal, plutonium inventories from nuclear weapons, natural radon in buildings, and similar concerns. Cross-listed with ENVS 6613. 3 credits.