Nuclear Energy

The course will cover a broad understanding of nuclear energy systems from a technical perspective and presented within the context of the triple-bottom-line of sustainability (economic sustainability, environmental sustainability, and socio-political sustainability). Technical perspectives include: basic nuclear and neutron physics with a focus on energy-directed fission and fusion processes; basic nuclear thermal hydraulics; stability; efficiency; fuel types and preparation including enrichment; and fuel extraction, availability and reprocessing. The environmental aspects of the triple-bottom-line of sustainability include life cycle assessment concepts and nuclear energy’s role; spent nuclear fuel and nuclear waste impacts; and radiation safety and risk on humans and the biosphere. Socio-political aspects of the triple-bottom-line include: security issues such as operational, organizational, and governmental security; societal response to nuclear technology; legislative management of fuel and reactors and their link to weapons technology. The course is taught by a team of scientists and engineers from a variety of disciplines, backgrounds, and perspectives, providing a wholistic, multi-faceted look at nuclear energy.

After completing the course, the student should be able to:

• Understand, describe, apply, and calculate important technical aspects about nuclear energy systems of various types, including the physics and theory, neutron balances, reactors, the balance of plant, control, criticality, fuel cycles, and its applications in society
• Discuss the current standpoint for fission and fusion technology with a holistic perspective
• Compare and contrast nuclear energy systems according to all three aspects of the triple-bottom-line of sustainability, including risk, safety, health, hazards, ethics, and public policy in the context of the Western tradition in nuclear energy and its history.

At the end of the course, students should have a well-rounded background of the technological, environmental, and social aspects of nuclear energy to think critically and make informed decisions about it.

Lectures and 6 exercises. Expected work effort in the course is 225 hours. A minimum of 4 of the 6 exercises must be completed and approved.