GOVPH

Course Title:

Seminar on Nuclear Science for Teachers (SNST)

Former: Seminar on Nuclear Science for High School Science Teachers (SNSHSST)

Duration:

20 days (160 hours)

Participation:

For high school science, mathematics, physics, biology and chemistry teachers who are holders of a bachelor’s degree in education, science and engineering.

A minimum of ten (10) participants is required to push through with the course. A maximum of thirty (30) participants will be accepted.

Pre-requisite:

A background on algebra, trigonometry, introductory calculus, general biology, chemistry and physics subjects.

Course Goal:

To provide science teachers with sufficient knowledge of the fundamentals of nuclear science and its beneficial application in different fields. Enable participants to contribute to the high school science curriculum by introducing suitable nuclear science topics and experiments in teaching physics, chemistry and biology.

Course Objectives:

At the end of this course, participants are expected to:

1. Describe the atomic nucleus and explain the nature of radioactivity
2. Differentiate types of ionizing radiation and how they interact with matter.
3. Be familiar with the different sources of ionizing radiation.
4. Be familiar with the safety and security issues associated with the use of radioactive materials.
5. Explain the importance of regulating the use of radioactive materials.
6. Be acquainted with the application of radioisotopes in agriculture, medicine, industry and research studies.
7. Understand the basic principles behind the operation of a nuclear power plant.

Nature and Scope of the Course:

This course will consist of lectures, exercises, a workshop and examinations. The staff of the Nuclear Training Center (NTC), PNRI lecturers and guest lecturers will conduct the course.

The participant’s performance in the seminar will be evaluated through the following:

1. Examinations (55%)
2. Development and presentation of teaching module incorporating nuclear science topics (30%)
3. Practical exercises (10%)
4. Attendance (5%)

A certificate of satisfactory completion will be issued to each participant who demonstrates satisfactory knowledge and skills of the subject matter presented.

Requirements:

(1) Application form with medical certificate; (2) Recommendation letter from principal or division superintendent; (3) Transcript of Records

Course Content:

Basic Nuclear Physics

Nuclear Reactions

Radioactivity and Radiation

Quantities and Units in Radiation Protection

Exercise on Nuclide Chart and Nuclear Data

Interaction of Radiation with Matter

Radiation Detection and Measuring Instruments

Experiment on Radiation Detection Using an Improvised Cloud Chamber

Biological Effects of Ionizing Radiation

Basic Radiation Chemistry

Basic Radiation Chemistry

Experiment on Characteristics of Geiger-Muller Detectors

Basic Principles of Radiation Protection

The PNRI Regulatory Function

Statistics of Counting

Experiment on Statistics of Counting

Concept of a Teaching Module

Radiation Control and Handling Practices

Radiation Shielding

Experiment on Absorption of Gamma Radiation

Security of Radiation Sources

Safe and Secure Transport of Radioactive Materials

Radiation Monitoring

Exercise: Radiological Survey of a Radiation Facility

Radioactive Waste Management Practices

Emergency Planning, Preparedness, Procedures and Response

Exercise on Emergency Drill

Radioisotopes in Agriculture

Experiment: Radiosensitivity of Planting Materials

Food Irradiation

Experiment on Fruit Irradiation

Radioisotopes in Geological Studies

Radioisotopes in Medicine

Radioisotopes in Industry

Radioisotopes in Environmental Research

Radiation Processing

Nuclear Energy for Power Generation

Introduction to Reactor Technology: Overview of Different Nuclear Reactors in the World

Neutron Interactions

Experiment: Neutron Activation and Half life Determination

Presentation of Teaching Modules

Tour of PNRI Facilities