This course will cover:

• The nucleosynthesis of U and Th, subsequent distribution of these elements and their decay products through terrestrial reservoirs (core, mantle, and crust).
• The dramatic change in the geochemical behaviour of U consequent to the oxygenation of the Earth's atmosphere at ~ 2.4 Ga will be examined together with the consequences both for distribution of  U within the Earth and the formation of different types of U deposits.
• Development of natural reactors, their detection, and the mobility of decay products.
• The use of parent-daughter U-Pb and Th-Pb decay schemes in determining the ages of the Earth and other objects in the Solar System, and tracing recycling of U through the Earth.
• Mobility and geochemistry of intermediate decay products in the environment.
• Occurrence and geology of different types of U and Th deposits.
• Processing and fabrication of nuclear fuel rods, and reprocessing of nuclear waste and waste disposal options.   

On satisfying the requirements of this course, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

1. Appreciate the basic principles of stellar nucleosynthesis
2. Understand and apply the principles of radioactive decay for solving problems of evolution of U/Pb and Th/Pb systems and ages of rocks and minerals
3. Understand and explain the consequences for the surface geochemical behaviour of U resulting from oxidation of the Earth's atmosphere
4. Critically analyse the reasons for distribution of U and Th ore deposits and assess probabilities of  future discoveries
5. Reflect on the economics of the occurrence and future utilisation of nuclear power based on the availability and location of potential ore deposits
6. Engage in critical debate with acknowledged experts in the field.

Assessment will be based on:

• Examination (50%; LO 1, 2, 3)
• Essay (50%; LO 4, 5, 6)

Lectures, laboratory exercises and tutorials; week-long intensive followed by individual study for essay preparation and submission

Bachelor degree

General science knowledge

Marcus Chown, 2001, The Magic Furnace: the search for the origin of atoms, Oxford University Press.
D. Bodansky, 2004, Nuclear Energy, Springer.