Course content

This course covers exotic atomic nuclei, and how to study them both experimentally and theoretically. The course gives an introduction to the theoretical background for nuclear structure based on the nuclear shell model, and how to calculate predicted shell structure using KSHELL. It also teaches how exotic nuclei are studied at different specialized facilities around the world, for example at RIKEN Nishina Center, and gives a basic introduction to how to analyze data from these experiments.

Learning outcome

After completing the course, you are able to:

  • explain the motivation to study exotic nuclei.
  • discuss different phenomena that are observed in exotic nuclei.
  • perform shell model calculations using KSHELL, including being able to choose an appropriate model space and effective interaction, and to find energy spectra and transition probabilities.
  • interpret results from shell model calculations.
  • discuss the production of exotic nuclei using fragmentation and fission.
  • describe the functioning of fragment separators, for example, the BigRIPS facility at RIKEN Nishina Center.
  • discuss experimental methods to study exotic nuclei.
  • analyze multi-parameter experimental data from exotic nuclei.

Admission to the course

The course has a joint admission with FYS4575 – Exotic Nuclei. Students may apply only if this is cleared with their supervisor.

Please fill in the application form.

Contact the sudieinfo@fys.uio.no if you are unsure if you are eligible to apply.

Overlapping courses

Teaching

The teaching will either be offered in the form of intensive teaching at summer schools; 2 weeks with 30 hours of lectures and 30 hours of hands-on numerical calculations and student presentations, or as self-study.

Attendance at the school, when offered as an in-person course, is expected.

The students must present their current master's or PhD project and receive peer feedback from other attendants at the school.

As the teaching involves laboratory and/or field work, you should consider taking out separate travel and personal risk insurance. Read about your insurance cover as a student.

Cost of taking the course

The location of the intensive course may be in Oslo or abroad. If given abroad there will be travel and housing costs. Students can apply to have these costs covered, and the selection of students for grants is based on the relevance of the course for their Ph.D. or master thesis.

Examination

  • Home exam in the form of a report which counts 100 % towards the final grade.

It will also be counted as one of the three attempts to sit the exam for this course, if you sit the exam for one of the following courses: FYS4575 – Exotic Nuclei

Examination support material

All examination support materials are allowed.

Language of examination

The examination text is given in English, and you submit your response in English.

Grading scale

Grades are awarded on a pass/fail scale. Read more about the grading system.

Resit an examination

In this course, postponed exams are not offered for exam candidates who are ill before the exam or who become ill during the exam. A deferred submission deadline can be offered.

The illness must be documented with a doctor's certificate dated no later than the ordinary submission date. You must submit the doctor's certificate to the course's contact point before the submission deadline for the home exam.

New exams are not offered to candidates who withdraw or do not pass the regular exam.

More about examinations at UiO

You will find further guides and resources at the web page on examinations at UiO.

Last updated from FS (Felles studentsystem) Oct. 15, 2026 3:37:17 AM

Facts about this course

Level
PhD
Credits
5
Teaching
Spring
If the course is offered, a minimum of four students is required for ordinary lectures to take place. If less than four students participate, an exam will be given, but one should not expect ordinary teaching
Examination
Spring
Teaching language
English

Contact

Department of Physics