Introduction to Nuclear Energy
Module number: MW0799
Duration: 1 Semester
Recurrence: Winter semester
Language: English
Number of ECTS: 5
Staff
Professor in charge: Rafael Macián-Juan
Amount of work
Class attendance: 45
Private study: 105
Total: 150
Course work and exam formalities
written exam, 90 min., mixed short questions and calculations
Description
Objective: The course will present a basic view on Nuclear Energy as a general introduction to the topic. The main aspects of Nuclear Engineering:
- the motivation of nuclear energy
- the history of nuclear energy
- the interaction of radiation with matter
- nuclear reactions
- nuclear fission and the chain reaction
- introduction to nuclear reactor theory
- heat removal from nuclear reactors
- power reactor dynamics
- nuclear reactor materials
- basic concepts in radioactivity
- basic concepts in radioactivity protection
- basic concepts in reactor safety
- nuclear reactor accidents
- the nuclear fuel cycle
- generation IV nuclear power plant design
- nuclear fusion reactors
Learning outcome
At the end of the module the students are able to understand:
- how nuclear energy is produced today
- the physical principles in which the production of nuclear energy is based
- how nuclear power systems work
- basic concepts of radiation and radiation protection
- the basis of nuclear safety
- the economic, issues and prospects of nuclear power today and in future
Prerequisites
profound knowledge in physics and mathematics
Media
Scriptum: printed copy of lectures, printed material from internet, photocopies of additional material form literature, drawings on hardboard
Literature
D. Bodanski: Nuclear Energy
J.K. Shultis, R.E. Faw: Fundamentals of Nuclear Science and Energy
J.R. Lamarsh, A.J. Baratta: Introduction to Nuclear Energy
Teaching and studying methods
Classes with projeced material (presentations), intensive use of whiteboard to clearify concepts
Interactiv class: students are encouraged to ask the professor also the professor asks frequently the students