Programme

The course is divided into two broad thematic areas, united by the analysis and use of natural radioactivity in the natural sciences.
The first part addresses the physical principles of radioactivity and the different modes of radioactive decay (alpha, beta, gamma, electron capture).
The units of measurement, the nature of ionizing radiation and the main natural sources of exposure, environmental pathways, and the distribution of radionuclides in different natural contexts will be defined, with special reference to the Italian and European situation.
Particular attention will be paid to radioactivity measurement techniques and the instruments most commonly used in monitoring and scientific research (gas detectors, scintillators, and specific instruments for radon measurement).
Practical laboratory exercises will be included, using alpha spectrometry, laboratory gamma spectrometry, portable gamma spectrometry, and radon measurements. A half-day field trip to an urban setting will be conducted to measure the environmental dose rate absorbed by the population in a natural setting.

The second part of the course focuses on the main radiometric dating techniques used in the fields of geology, biology, environmental sciences, and historical-archaeology.
Both traditional and more recently developed dating methods will be presented, with particular emphasis on the potential and challenges of each technique. The aim is to provide adequate training, from material sampling to the final chronological data processing.
The carbon-14, potassium-argon, argon-argon, rubidium-strontium, samarium-neodymium, and uranium-lead methods will be studied, as well as disequilibria in the uranium series, thermochronological methods, fission tracks, luminescence, electrospin resonance, and cosmogenic radionuclides.
The theoretical part will be supported by laboratory activities where several instruments (alpha spectrometry and mass spectrometry) for measuring radionuclides used in the main dating techniques will be illustrated.

Core Documentation

Isotopes: Principles and Applications. 3rd Edition
by Gunter Faure and Teresa M. Mensing.
Wiley, 2005

European Atlas of Natural Radiation
Cinelli, G. ; De Cort, M. ; Tollefsen, T. (Eds.)
Publications Office of the European Union; Luxembourg, 2019

Supplementary teaching materials, exercises, datasets, and laboratory protocols provided by professor on the institutional platform.

Attendance

Attendance at lectures and practical activities is governed by the Degree Programme’s Teaching Regulations; please refer to them for details regarding any mandatory requirements, minimum attendance percentages, and provisions applicable to specific categories of students. However, attendance at theoretical lectures and practical activities is strongly recommended.

Type of evaluation

The exam consists of an oral interview designed to assess both theoretical knowledge and the topics covered during practical exercises. The interview aims to evaluate: • theoretical knowledge regarding natural radioactivity and decay processes; • understanding of measurement and monitoring techniques; • knowledge of the main radiometric dating methods; • the ability to critically interpret data and case studies; • appropriate use of scientific terminology. Additionally, the student may be asked to: • interpret data derived from environmental radioactivity measurements; • analyze alpha or gamma spectra; • perform simple calculations related to radioactive decay; • discuss the results obtained, highlighting any sources of uncertainty. Evaluation criteria The assessment will take into account: • the accuracy of theoretical knowledge; • the ability to apply methods and procedures; • independence in data interpretation; • the ability to critically discuss results and the limitations of the techniques; • clarity of presentation and use of subject-specific terminology.