PHYS199M

Additional information: This course has no prerequisites. However, the course will use mathematics extensively at the level up to and including standard high school algebra II. Students will need to be comfortable applying mathematics at this level. Introduction to some critical ideas of nuclear physics and a review of some key historical developments starting at the end of the 19th century. Chronological development of nuclear physics from the discovery of radioactivity by Becquerel in 1896 through to the discovery of fission in Germany in 1938 followed by an examination of the programs to develop nuclear weapons in the United States, Britain and Germany. Extensive study of political, ethical, scientific, military, social, and economic issues surrounding the Manhattan Project.