Nuclear Science and Engineering

This introductory course provides an overview of the field of nuclear science and engineering as it relates to nuclear power and nuclear technologies. Fundamental concepts relevant to nuclear systems are introduced, including radioactivity, radiation interaction phenomena, chain reaction physics, and transport in engineering materials. Nuclear reactor physics and design concepts are introduced with focus on light water fission reactors. A survey of advanced nuclear technologies and applications is provided.

This course will introduce the student to fundamental concepts in radiation biology. Initially, theories will be developed concerning the effects of radiation exposure on basic biological systems, such as a virus or a cell. These theories will be based on our knowledge of radiation interaction mechanisms at the atomic/molecular level coupled with our knowledge of cell biology. Once developed, these theories will be compared against experimental observations and expanded to include cellular kinetic responses to radiation. Focus will then shift from the simple cell to more complex biological organisms. Ultimately, the student will be expected to appreciate the practical aspects and consequences of human radiation exposure and to properly apply this information in a radiation safety or medical physics environment.

This course introduces engineering and science students to the fundamental topics of nuclear physics for applications, basic properties of the nucleus, nuclear radiations, and radiation interactions with matter. The course is divided into four main sections: (1) introduction to elementary quantum mechanics, (2) nuclear and atomic structure, (3) nuclear decays and radiation, and (4) nuclear matter interactions and nuclear reactions.

This course builds on fundamental concepts introduced in NSE 310 and applies them to key topics in health physics and radiation protection. Health physics topics include man-made and natural sources of radiation, dose, radiation biology, radiation measurement, and radiation safeguards. Radiation protection concepts are explored as they apply to existing and advanced nuclear power generators, including reactor safety, nuclear waste and byproducts, regulatory constraints, and accident case studies.

This course applies fundamental materials science concepts to effects on materials in harsh nuclear environments. An overview is provided on environments, special nuclear materials, and constraints in materials selection. Relationships are developed between nuclear effects on crystal structure, microstructure, degraded material performance, and bulk properties of engineering and electronic materials. Case studies provide examples of enhancements induced my multiple harsh environments and mitigation through material design hardening.

This course provides a systems engineering view of commercial nuclear power plant technology. Power plant designs and their evolutions are studied, ranging from early to modern generation light water reactors, as well as advanced designs families, such alternate moderator and breeder reactors. Critical aspects of conventional power reactor designs are explored in detail, including steam supply, reactor core, control, and protection systems. Plant operational characteristics are studied, including reactor dynamics, control, feedback, and fuel cycle management. Critical power plant safety aspects of the design and operations are explored and reinforced with lessons learned from major power generator accidents scenarios (including Three Mile Island, Chernobyl, and Fukushima Daiichi).

This course provides the operating principles and applications of nuclear radiation detection systems, including detector theory, electronic signal processing, and measurement and data reduction techniques. Students will learn to use ion chambers, proportional counters, Geiger Mueller counters, scintillators, and high-purity germanium detectors to detect alpha, beta, gamma, x-ray, and other radiations.

Students will be introduced to the fields of diagnostic medical imaging with a focus on the fundamental imaging physics. Basic concepts, including: matter and energy, x-ray production, and photon interactions, will lead to topics in x-ray generation, nuclear magnetic resonance, and sound-wave propagation. The course will then focus on the different diagnostic imaging modalities including X-ray radiography, Computed Tomography, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance, Gamma Scintillation, and ultrasound imaging.

Students will learn the theory, practice, and application of radiation oncology and therapy. Using the basic concepts of matter and energy, the production of x-rays, and photon interactions in tissue, the student will be introduced to linear accelerator (LINAC) physics, radiation treatment planning, and photon and electron dosimetry. In addition, this course will cover topics of current interest in radiation therapy such as: intensity-modulated radiation therapy, calibration of electron and photon beams, brachytherapy, hyper-fractionation therapy, and charged particle therapy.

This material is intended to cover ethical issues in clinical medicine, scientific research, and in the professional conduct of the medical physicist. The term “ethics” is used here in the sense of a permissible standard of conduct for members of a profession.

This material is intended to cover ethical issues in clinical medicine, scientific research, and in the professional conduct of the medical physicist. The term “ethics” is used here in the sense of a permissible standard of conduct for members involved with the medical and research fields.

Arranged by faculty affiliate to the Nuclear Science and Engineering program for individual or groups of students, these courses survey areas that are not covered by the regular NSE course offerings.