Introduction to Nuclear Reactor Physics

3 credits · Undergraduate

This course is an introduction to nuclear reactor physics, focused on fission reactors. After a basic review of neutron properties and nuclear reactions (resonances and direct processes), detailed considerations of neutron interactions with atomic nuclei and fission process will be discussed. Neutron transport in the reactor with reference to a thermal reactor will be discussed. Physics of fast neutron reactors will be addressed. The physics of nuclear fusion reactors will be introduced and distinguishing features of different types of water and modular reactors will be presented.