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529-0142-01L 4 Credits MSC D-CHAB

Fundamentals of Radiochemistry: From Polonium to Oganesson

Lecturers & Examiners: Prof. Dr. Patrick Steinegger
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-06-03 00:14:12

Abstract

This course introduces students to the fundamentals of radiochemistry. It is concerned with the 31% of all elements in the periodic table that have no stable isotope and the 93% of all known isotopes that are radioactive.

Objective

Students will have a basic understanding of radioactivity and radiochemistry in general. They will be able to determine how a particular radionuclide occurs in nature or can be produced artificially and what measurement techniques are appropriate to identify/quantify a radionuclide of interest. Students will also be able to assess the risks associated with radioactivity.

Content

This course will cover the fundamentals of radiochemistry, including (1) a brief history of radiochemistry, (2) nucleosynthesis, (3) the fundamentals of radioactivity including the underlying nuclear physics, (4) radiation protection aspects, (5) methods of nuclear spectroscopy and other measurement techniques for ionizing radiation, and (6) the natural/artificial production of radionuclides and (7) their application for various purposes in research and industry. During the course, a visit of the Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI) is planned in order to show the students the production facilities available.

Resources

Lecture Notes

Via Moodle

Literature

> J.-V. Kratz, Nuclear and Radiochemstry – Vol.1 & 2 (4th edition), ISBN 978-3-527-34905-0 > W. Loveland, D. J. Morrissey, G. T. Seaborg, Modern Nuclear Chemistry, ISBN-10 0-471-11532-0 > Attila Vértes, Sándor Nagy, Zoltán Klencsár, Rezso G. Lovas, Frank Rösch, Handbook of Nuclear Chemistry (2nd edition), ISBN 978-1-4419-0719-6

General Information

Language
English
Levels
MSC
Frequency
Yearly recurring

Examination

Type
session examination
Mode
oral 30 minutes
The assessment includes a graded interim performance (25%), which counts towards the final grade, in the form of a semester-long assignment.

Registration & Places

Max Places
30

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
lecture with exercise Fundamentals of Radiochemistry: From Polonium to Oganesson
  • Tue 13:45-15:30 (HCI H 8.1)
  • Wed 15:45-16:30 (HCP E 47.4)
3 h weekly

Offered In