Radioactivity and its implications for environment and society (Fall 2017)
This course on radioactivity covers the nature and origin of radioactive elements and decay processes in our environment. This includes both naturally occuring radiogenic and cosmogenic radioactivity as well as the increase in anthropogenic radioactive sources. The course presents the implications of radiation for biological systems and our environment as well as the use of radiation for an increasing number of human activities and its broader societal impact.
Professor Michael Wiescher
Department of Physics, University of Notre Dame
Office; 181 Nieuwland Science Hall
Office Hours: Tu/Th 2:00-3:00pm, but feel free to stop by my office at any time
e-mail: wiescher.1@nd.edu
T.A.: John Wilkinson
Office: NSH 284
Office Hours: M/W 12:45-2:00pm. Wed. 5:30-6:30pm review session in NSH 184
e-mail: jwilkin5@nd.edu
Homework:
Quizzes:
Lectures:
- Introduction and Overview
- Syllabus and Logistics
- Discovery of Radioactivity and its Applications
- Radioactive Decay and Nuclear Reactions
- The Nature and Laws of Radioactivity
- Detectors and Instrumentation
- Dosimetry and Exposure Limits
- Biological Effects of Radiation
- The Origin of Radioactivity
- The Radioactive Universe
- The Radioactive Earth
- Geological Implications and Consequences
- Radioactivity in the Atmosphere
- The Human Radioactivity Cycle
- The Origin of Life
- Radioactivity in Agriculture
- Radioactivity in Buildings
- Radioactivity Lin Natural Resources
- Radioactivity and Renewable Energies
- Radioactivity and Nuclear Energy
- Radioactivity and Long Term Storage
- Radioactivity in Chernobyl and Fukushima
- Radioactivity in Medicine
- Radioactivity in Industry
- Radioactivity in Art Analysis
- Radioactivity and Homeland Security
- Radioactivity and War
- Radioactivity and Fear