Outline

Overview

This unit is normally undertaken as part of the Master of Medical Physics or the Graduate Diploma in Medical Physics. Nuclear properties and models, and the main types of radioactive decay (alpha, beta, and gamma decay) are covered. There is also a brief introduction to nuclear reactions. This UoS also includes fundamentals of nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and magnetic resonance imaging.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit	Physics Academic Operations
Credit points	6
Prerequisites ?	None
Corequisites ?	None
Prohibitions ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	Calculus, differential equations, Fourier analysis, linear algebra, atomic/nuclear Physics, principles of quantum physics and classical mechanics
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Sarah Alnaghy, sarah.alnaghy@sydney.edu.au
Laboratory supervisor(s)	Sheryl Foster, sheryl.foster@sydney.edu.au
Lecturer(s)	Bruce Yabsley, bruce.yabsley@sydney.edu.au
	Tony Young, tony.young@sydney.edu.au
	Erin Wang, yu-feng.wang@sydney.edu.au
	Sirisha Tadimalla, sirisha.tadimalla@sydney.edu.au

Assessment

The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2025

Details
Criteria

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length
Supervised exam ?	Final exam Final exam	60%	Formal exam period	2 hours
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Assignment: Nuclear structure Assignment: Nuclear structure	10%	Week 06 Due date: 04 Apr 2025 at 23:59	Approximately 5-10 pages
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Assignment: Radioactive decay Assignment: Radioactive decay	10%	Week 09 Due date: 02 May 2025 at 23:59	Approximately 5-10 pages
Outcomes assessed:
Presentation	Oral presentation Oral presentation: NMR/MRI	10%	Week 12 Due date: 21 May 2025 at 09:00	15 minutes
Outcomes assessed:
Small test	Canvas Quiz (Supervised): MRI Lab Practical: MRI Lab at Westmead	10%	Week 13 Due date: 27 May 2025 at 09:00	30 minutes
Outcomes assessed:
= hurdle task ? = AI allowed ?

Assessment summary

Final exam: It will be based on lecture material, and readings from Lilley, and will be assessed by the lecturers. Must be attempted & must meet hurdle mark threshold otherwise = AF grade
Assignments: It will be based on material presented in lectures, together with sections of the text (Lilley) set as reading, and will also be assessed by the respective lecturers.
Oral presentation: It will be based on material presented in lectures and will be assessed by the respective lecturers.
Lab assignment: It will be based on material presented in lectures and lab and will be assessed by the respective lecturers/lab supervisor.

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

All assessments are compulsory.

Assessment tasks are intended to allow you to demonstrate what you have learned related to the goals of this unit. They also serve to encourage you to work with the material but should not dominate your approach to learning. See them as another learning activity, accompanying and complementing the lectures and labs.

In addition, students in physics must be able to express themselves accurately by clear, efficient use of the English language in their written work. Spelling, grammar, punctuation and correct use of language will be taken into account when written reports and examination work are assessed. Students should refer to the University’s WriteSite (http://writesite.elearn.usyd.edu.au/) if they are looking for guidance on grammar and other aspects of academic and professional writing.

Assessment of this unit of study is based on achievement of specific learning objectives as demonstrated in a combination of
assignments, tests, examination and laboratory work. Satisfactory performance in assessments across all learning outcomes is necessary to ensure a pass in this unit. It is expected that a grade of at least 45% across all assessments and the final examination will be achieved
in order to demonstrate satisfactory performance. A combined score of at least 50% is necessary for a pass as indicated in the
section “Assessment Grading” below.

You are responsible for understanding the University policy regarding assessment and examination, which can be found in the University Policy Register at http://sydney.edu.au/policies/

Your final grade will be based principally on your performance in the final exam.

Final exam: If a second replacement exam is required, this exam may be delivered via an alternative assessment method, such as a viva voce (oral exam). The alternative assessment will meet the same learning outcomes as the original exam. The format of the alternative assessment will be determined by the unit coordinator.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a superior standard, a credit competent work demonstrating potential for higher study, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100	Mastery of topics showing extensive integration and ability to transfer knowledge to novel contexts; treatment of tasks shows an advanced synthesis of ideas; demonstration of initiative, complex understanding and analysis; work is very well presented; all criteria addressed and learning outcomes achieved to an outstanding level.
Distinction	75 - 84	Excellent achievement, consistent evidence of deep understanding and application of knowledge in medical science; treatment of tasks shows advanced understanding of topics; demonstration of initiative, complex understanding and analysis; work is well-presented; all criteria addressed and learning outcomes achieved to a superior level.
Credit	65 - 74	Confident in explaining medical science processes, with evidence of solid understanding and achievement; occasional lapses indicative of unresolved issues; treatment of tasks shows a good understanding of topic; work is well-presented with a minimum of errors; all criteria addressed and learning outcomes achieved to a high level.
Pass	50 - 64	Satisfactory level of engagement with and understanding of topic; some inconsistencies in understanding and knowledge of medical science; work is adequately presented, with some errors or omissions, most criteria addressed and learning outcomes achieved to an adequate level.
Fail	0 - 49	Unsatisfactory achievement and engagement with the medical science discipline; inadequate understanding or fundamental misunderstanding of topics; most criteria and learning outcomes not clearly or adequately addressed or achieved; lack of effort/involvement in the unit.

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

Except for supervised exams or in-semester tests, you may use generative AI and automated writing tools in assessments unless expressly prohibited by your unit coordinator.

For exams and in-semester tests, the use of AI and automated writing tools is not allowed unless expressly permitted in the assessment instructions.

The icons in the assessment table above indicate whether AI is allowed – whether full AI, or only some AI (the latter is referred to as “AI restricted”). If no icon is shown, AI use is not permitted at all for the task. Refer to Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks for this unit.

Your final submission must be your own, original work. You must acknowledge any use of automated writing tools or generative AI, and any material generated that you include in your final submission must be properly referenced. You may be required to submit generative AI inputs and outputs that you used during your assessment process, or drafts of your original work. Inappropriate use of generative AI is considered a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy and penalties may apply.

The Current Students website provides information on artificial intelligence in assessments. For help on how to correctly acknowledge the use of AI, please refer to the  AI in Education Canvas site.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The Current Student website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	Nuclear structure	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 02	Nuclear structure	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 03	Nuclear structure	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 04	Nuclear structure	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 05	Nuclear structure	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 06	Radioactive decay	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 07	Radioactive decay	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 08	Radioactive decay	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 09	Nuclear magnetic resonance and MRI	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 10	MRI image acquisition and reconstruction Part 1	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 11	MRI image acquisition and reconstruction Part 2	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 12	MRI clinical applications	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 12	MRI Lab at Westmead	Practical (3 hr)
Week 13	MRI quality assurance and room shielding and safety	Lecture (3 hr)

Attendance and class requirements

Where online tutorials/workshops/virtual laboratories have been scheduled, students should make every effort to attend and participate at the scheduled time. Penalties will not be applied if technical issues, etc. prevent attendance at a specific online class. In that case, students should discuss the problem with the coordinator, and attend another session, if available.

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

All readings for this unit can be accessed through the Reading List, available on Canvas.

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. demonstrate an understanding of basic nuclear structure, mass, and binding energy
LO2. demonstrate an understanding of nuclear shells and nuclear collective states
LO3. demonstrate an understanding of the main processes of radioactive decay
LO4. demonstrate a basic understanding of nuclear reactions
LO5. demonstrate an understanding of the physics of NMR and MRI
LO6. demonstrate an understanding of image acquisition in MR
LO7. demonstrate an understanding of quality assurance principles in MRI
LO8. demonstrate an understanding of room shielding and safety aspects of MRI
LO9. demonstrate an understanding of clinical applications of MRI

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

No changes have been made since this unit was last offered.

Additional information

More information can be found on Canvas.

Equity Access and Diversity Statement in Unit Outlines

Current Version – 17/1/20

The School of Physics recognises that biases and discrimination, including but not limited to those based on gender, race, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion and age, continue to impact parts of our community disproportionately. Consequently, the School is strongly committed to taking effective steps to make our environment supportive and inclusive and one that provides equity of access and opportunity for everyone.

The School has three Equity Officers as a point of contact for students and staff who may have a query or concern about any issues relating to equity, access and diversity. If you feel you have been treated unfairly, bullied, discriminated against or disadvantaged in any way, you are encouraged to talk to one of the Equity Officers or any member of the Physics staff.

More information can be found at https://sydney.edu.au/science/schools/school-of-physics/equity-access-diversity.html

Any student who feels they may need a special accommodation based on the impact of a disability should contact Disability Services: http://sydney.edu.au/current_students/disability/ who can help arrange support.

Site visit guidelines

Please check the Canvas site for this unit for any information.

Work, health and safety

We are governed by the Work Health and Safety Act 2011, Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 and Codes of Practice. Penalties for non-compliance have increased. Everyone has a responsibility for health and safety at work. The University’s Work Health and Safety policy explains the responsibilities and expectations of workers and others, and the procedures for managing WHS risks associated with University activities.

General Laboratory Safety Rules

No eating or drinking is allowed in any laboratory under any circumstances
A laboratory coat and closed-toe shoes are mandatory
Follow safety instructions in your manual and posted in laboratories
In case of fire, follow instructions posted outside the laboratory door
First aid kits, eye wash and fire extinguishers are located in or immediately outside each laboratory

As a precautionary measure, it is recommended that you have a current tetanus immunisation. This can be obtained from University Health Service: unihealth.usyd.edu.au/

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Site visit guidelines

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links

PHYS5011: Nuclear Physics and Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Semester 1, 2025 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) and automated writing tools

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Support for students

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Attendance and class requirements

Study commitment

Required readings

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Site visit guidelines

Work, health and safety

Disclaimer

On this page

Useful links