ECE 5815

Introduction to Nuclear Science and Engineering

Course Description

Course information provided by the Courses of Study 2023-2024.

Introduces the fundamental concepts of nuclear science and engineering, including nuclear structure, radioactivity, nuclear reactions and the interaction of neutrons, charged particles, x-rays and gamma-rays with matter. Discusses the neutron chain reaction and its control in the core of a fission reactor. Different reactor designs are introduced and discussed along with their safety features. Other topics include radiation shielding and aspects of the nuclear fuel cycle, including isotope separation, fuel reprocessing, waste disposal and sustainability.

When Offered Fall.

Prerequisites/Corequisites Prerequisite: MATH 1920, MATH 2930, PHYS 2213, PHYS 2214, or permission of instructor.

• Demonstrate basic conceptual understanding of atomic and nuclear physics, quantum mechanics and electrostatics relevant to the interaction of radiation with matter, and especially neutron interactions.
• Demonstrate a basic understanding of the fission process and neutron chain reactions
• Know and understand the advantages and disadvantages of various combinations of fuel and other materials (moderator, coolant, structure) for safety and sustainability.
• Understand the design and operation of a nuclear reactor core as a critical or near critical mass of fissile and other materials in steady state and in times of slowly changing power.
• Demonstrate the ability to calculate the amount of fuel needed by a power reactor per year as well as the amount of nuclear waste that will be produced and its decay rate.
• Know and understand the interaction of radiation with biological systems and the consequences thereof, and methods of shielding to reduce radiation effects.
• Understand case histories of nuclear reactor accidents.

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