Core Nuclear Engineering Science and Technology Courses
Introduction to Computers
Students gain fundamental knowledge of the computer system and its components, including computer hardware and architecture, application software, operating systems, networks, and the Internet. Advanced topics such as information privacy and security, database and data warehouse, data mining, and legal, ethical, and privacy issues in the information technology field are also introduced. Additionally, students will participate in learning activities to develop the needed skills to work with Microsoft Office suite.
Project Management
This course is designed to train students in the principles of project management and application of project management techniques. Students study the skills required of a project manager as well as learn the methodologies, tools and processes used to succeed in this field. Project management techniques learned in this course are applied in project-based learning activities in the nuclear engineering technology courses, including the capstone.
Health Physics and Radiation Protection
This course provides a fundamental grounding in the theory and principles of radiation protection relevant to nuclear power plant operations and design considerations in radiation protection equipment.
Radiation Measurement Lab
This course provides a fundamental rounding in practical aspects of detection and measurement of radiation and radioactive contamination relevant to nuclear power plant operations.
Introduction to Heat Transfer and Fluid Mechanics
This course provides a grounding in the fundamental principles of heat, heat transfer, and fluid mechanics, as they apply to power plant operation. While designed to meet the requirements of the Nuclear Uniform Curriculum Program, specifically Section 1.1.5 Heat Transfer and Fluid Flow of ACAD 08-006 for Non-Licensed Nuclear Operators, this course has broad applicability for anyone interested in power plant technology, regardless the heat source used.
Electrical Theory
This is a basic course covering the theory of electrical circuits and electronic control components used in the nuclear power plant: AC and DC current, voltage, capacitance, inductance, energy, power, Kirchhoff’s laws, loop and nodal analysis, linear voltage-current characteristics, digital logic gates; voltage regulation and amplification using diodes, transistors, and operational amplifiers; transformers, and DC and AC motor operations.
Power Plant Components
This course covers the theory, construction and application of mechanical components such as (but not limited to): air compressors, heat exchangers and condensers, pumps, filtration systems, valves, and turbines. It also covers the theory, construction, and application of the following as used in the industry: diesel engines, air conditioning, refrigeration, heating and ventilation systems, generators, electrical equipment, valve actuators and electronics and other systems and processes that are plant specific.
Fundamentals of Reactor Safety
This course provides an overview of nuclear reactor plant safety design topics, including basic concepts relating to regulatory requirements, reactor plant safety analysis, reactor protection systems, plant procedural structure, and emergency planning. Additionally, the course explores significant industry events, including those at Three Mile Island, Chernobyl, and Fukushima, as well as the impact of the 9/11 terrorism event. Course subject matter will reference the Pressurized Water Reactor nuclear plant design.
Material Science
Students learn how materials are used in nuclear engineering applications. Topics include basic nuclear plant operation overview, atomic bonding, crystalline and noncrystalline structures, diffusion, mechanical and thermal behavior, failure analysis and prevention, structural materials, ceramics, corrosion, radiation effects on materials, material commonly used in reactor core and nuclear plant design, and material problems associated with reactor core operation.
Reactor Core Fundamentals
The basics of neutron chain reaction systems are explored in this course. Topics include neutron cross sections, flux, reaction rates, fission processes, neutron production, neutron multiplication, six-factor formula, reactivity, subcritical multiplication, prompt and delayed neutron fractions, reactor period, reactivity coefficients, control rod worth, and fission product poisons.
Plant Systems Overview
This course provides an overview of the design, layout, and function of all major systems associated with the two nuclear power plant designs typically used for U.S. power production: pressurized water reactor (PWR) and boiling water reactor (BWR). The approach to the course is to build a power plant system by system. Content covers major system components, controls, and their design features, and emphasizes the systems’ interconnection and functions. Systems are grouped/classified regarding their use and characteristics, e.g. production vs. safety, primary (nuclear interface) vs. balance of plant, active vs. passive. PWR and BWR simulation learning tools are utilized to apply and reinforce course material through dynamic learning activities.
Integrated Technology Assessment (Capstone)
This capstone course integrates all fields of nuclear engineering technology. Students draw on their knowledge of nuclear engineering technology and competencies to analyze reactor plant scenarios. The purpose of the course is to integrate the learning achieved in individual nuclear engineering technology courses taken, evaluated industry training, and naval nuclear power training to earn a nuclear engineering technology degree. The knowledge and competencies acquired in natural sciences, health physics and radiation protection, thermodynamics, heat transfer and fluid flows, reactor core fundamentals, and plant systems overview are utilized to study the principles in nuclear engineering technology. A comprehensive examination tests the student’s mastery of these background subjects. Students participate in a reactor plant simulation experience that requires considering multiple theoretical concepts and applying those concepts to plant applications. An individual capstone project and a watch team capstone project are developed, presented, and defended in an online seminar.
Nuclear Engineering Technology Electives
Apply electives from nuclear and related subject areas to complete the technology component requirement.
Laboratory Requirement
Students must complete five labs in the following areas:
- Physics I
- Physics II
- Chemistry
- Radiation Measurement
- Thermodynamics