Graduate Student Proficiencies

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All students in nuclear science are expected to be proficient in the following:

  1. Nuclear theory
  2. Reactions of nuclei

For students in experimental nuclear science, during the course of your graduate study you will develop expertise in three or four of the following areas and familiarity with most of the remainder.

  1. Computer programming
    • C++ or Fortran
    • Familiarity with scripting languages such as TCL/TK
    • Familiarity with web programming
  2. Vacuum technology
    • What pumping is needed to reach a given vacuum
    • How are vacuums measured
    • Working with items under vacuum
  3. Nuclear electronics
    • Fast electronics and trigger generation
    • Analog to Digital conversion
  4. Data acquisition
    • Front end programming
    • Data analysis
    • Logic programming
  5. Database management
    • Organization of experimental data
    • Information management
  6. Accelerator techniques and hardware
    • Basic operation of accelerators
    • Basic knowledge of the components used at the NSCL (or RHIC for relativistic heavy ion students)
  7. Knowledge of Nuclear Experimental techniques
    • Gamma detection
    • Beta and Alpha detection
    • Neutron detection
    • Traps and storage rings
    • Gas detectors for charged particles
  8. Interaction of ions with matter
    • Stopping
    • Range
    • Straggling
  9. Beam optics
    • Basic beam optics theory
    • Understanding of the basic operation of the A1900 and S800 isotope beams
  10. Production of rare isotope (for the nuclear structure students)
    • Basic knowledge of the methods of rare-isotope production
    • Detailed understanding of how the A1900 operates
    • Basic ability to use the A1900 to produce and separate isotopes
  11. Techniques at RHIC (for relativistic heavy ion students)
    • Basic knowledge of RHIC detectors, their results and special capabilities
    • Knowledge of how the detectors work
    • Basic theory of the formation of the quark-gluon plasma and how it is studied

It is expected that a student’s thesis research will lead to at least two publications in refereed research journals.