Post-16
Nuclear Masterclass
The 2024 Masterclass has now finished
Nuclear physics is an area of science that studies the nuclei of atoms. It’s about far more than just nuclear power. Researchers are studying everything from the shapes of nuclei to cancer treatments and medical imaging; from exotic nuclei (highly unstable nuclei that only exist for fractions of a second) to nuclear detectors used for national security; from how stars produce different chemical elements to how we can use the processes happening inside stars to generate electricity here on Earth.
Join leading experts from around the world to explore cutting-edge research in nuclear physics. Explore topics from radiation, to fusion and medical physics. This programme is suitable for students aged 16-19 studying Physics (AS or A-levels, Highers or Advanced Highers, or equivalent).
A six-week programme with three to five hours content per week. An extra week at the end of course allows time to catch-up on anything you may have missed. Work at your own pace, in the classroom or at home.
Live webinars with leading experts take place weekly: 6pm to 7.30pm on Wednesday 6 March, Wednesday 13 March, Wednesday 20 March, and Wednesday 27 March. Recordings of these will be available after the events.
Ask questions of experts live during the weekly webinar and get help throughout the course on a daily online forum.
Complete all activities to receive a Certificate of Participation, awarded by the University of York.
Monday 4 March to Friday 12 April 2024.
The Programme
Module 1: Energy and Decay
In our first week, we explore the Nuclear Chart, showing all the isotopes discovered so far. Refresh your understanding of the different decay types, follow nuclear decay chains, explore the concept and applications of binding energy, and investigate half-lives. This first module will give you all the building blocks you need to explore Nuclear Physics in more detail.
Module 2: Experimental Nuclear Physics
From historic experiments that revealed the structure of the atom, to cutting edge detectors and particle accelerators, in this module you'll explore how discoveries in Nuclear Physics have been made, and get a glimpse of some of the exciting cutting-edge research that's currently being undertaken around the world. Take part in virtual tours of National Laboratories, find out about underground research facilities, and investigate detector science through online simulations.
Module 3: Nuclear Astrophysics
We now take our knowledge of nuclear physics to investigate the life cycle of stars - from fusion taking place in main sequence stars, to the nuclear reactions happening during stellar explosions. Discover the origins of the elements and find out about the roles of different isotopes in these processes. Investigate a model of the nucleus using an interactive simulation, and use this to explore the size and density of neutron stars.
Module 4: Fusion Technology
In this module we bring nuclear fusion, the process that powers the stars, down to Earth. Find out about this potential method of power generation that could solve the energy crisis. From tokamaks to laser-driven fusion, discover the interface between nuclear and plasma physics and explore the devices being used to create temperatures more than ten times hotter than the centre of the Sun.
Module 5: Medical Physics
In this module, we explore Nuclear Medicine - from imaging techniques to treatment of diseases such as cancer. Discover what medical physicists do; find out how PET scanners work, and how quantum entanglement can make these more effective; and use computer modelling to investigate proton-beam therapy and optimise treatment.
Module 6: Particle Physics meets Nuclear Physics
This is an opportunity to delve inside the nucleus. Protons and neutrons are both examples of hadrons - particles composed of quarks that therefore feel the strong force. In this module, discover some of the more exotic quark combinations and newly discovered particles that may give us the answer to questions such as 'What is dark matter?'.