Environmental radioactivity whether of natural or anthropogenic origin provides the major source of ionising radiation exposure within the biosphere. Understanding the physical origins of radionuclides and their associated radiation are important to determining process rates in environmental systems, to analysis and modelling of radiation exposure, to dating geological and archaeological systems, and to impact and risk assessment of accidental or regulated releases to the environment. This course reviews the sources of environmental radionuclides, and their origins, distribution, and behaviour, from a physical science perspective. It aims to provide a physical basis for understanding dosimetry, scientific applications of radionuclides for chronometric and process tracing purposes, and to provide a framework against which the impact of accidental or routine releases of radionuclides from nuclear facilities can be placed with a context based on scientific understanding of existing sources of radiation within environmental systems.

Typically one 2h lecture/problem class per week

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Description of Summative Assessment:

Assessment: Problem sheet (open book), 2000 - 3000 word critical study report and associated oral presentation.

Reassessment: In accordance with the University's Code of Assessment reassessments are normally set for all courses which do not contribute to the honours classifications. For non honours courses, students are offered reassessment in all or any of the components of assessment if the satisfactory (threshold) grade for the overall course is not achieved at the first attempt. This is normally grade D3 for undergraduate students, and grade C3 for postgraduate students. Exceptionally it may not be possible to offer reassessment of some coursework items, in which case the mark achieved at the first attempt will be counted towards the final course grade. Any such exceptions are listed below in this box.

The aims of this course are:

To review the sources of environmental radioactivity, their origins, production and decay modes and associated ionising radiation forms.

To discuss the distribution, concentrations and dynamics of naturally occurring and anthropogenically produced radionuclides, and their associated radiation dose rates

To introduce methods for quantifying radionuclides in environmental systems for dating purposes, to measure environmental process rates, and to determine concentrations and transfer factors used for dosimetric modelling.

To develop a basis for appraising the impact of human activities, including applications of nuclear technology, on the radiological environment.

By the end of this course students will be able to:

Explain the main sources and origins of environmental radioactive from a physical science perspective

Explain the concept of radiation dose and the composition and dynamics of radionuclides in the environment

Debate the impact of nuclear technology on environmental systems and the basis for regulation of future nuclear activities with potential releases to the environment.

Students must submit at least 75% by weight of the components (including examinations) of the course's summative assessment.