NUCENG 200M
Introduction to Nuclear Engineering
Overview of the elements of nuclear technology in use today for the production of energy and other radiation applications. Emphasis is on nuclear fission as an energy source, with a study of the basic physics of the nuclear fission process followed by detailed discussions of issues related to the control, radioactivity management, thermal energy management, fuel production, and spent fuel management. A discussion of the various reactor types in use around the world will include analysis of safety and nuclear proliferation issues surrounding the various technologies. Case studies of some reactor accidents and other nuclear-related incidents will be included.
Topics
- (1) To give students an understanding of the basic concepts of nuclear energy and other radiation applications, together with an overview of related aspects such as proliferation and waste management. (2) To provide students an overview of the elements of nuclear technology in use today for the production of energy and to set those elements in the broader contest of nuclear technology.
- At the end of the course, students should be able to: - understand basic theoretical concepts of nuclear physics, reactor physics, and energy removal - describe radiation damage mechanisms in materials and biological tissue, estimate radiation dose, understand radiation shielding - understand the concepts of chain reaction, neutron balance, criticality, reactivity, and reactivity control - describe the main nuclear power reactor designs and identify their major components - describe core components and understand their function - calculate cost of electricity based on simple economic principles - describe the difference between PWR and BWR in terms of core design, steam cycle, and operation - understand the concept of design-basis accidents, their causes, and their consequences - identify the main steps and related facilities of fuel cycle - understand the fundamental aspects of used fuel reprocessing and disposal
Official catalogue course objectives and student learning outcomes
Sources
- Course catalogue ↗2026-2027