Core Modules and Module details

Reactor Physics
Prof G Parks

Core physics and shielding – steady state power and shapes, depletion control elements and use of poisons, core kinetics and system control.

Reactor Engineering & Thermal-hydraulics
Prof E Shwageraus, Dr A White

Coolant types, thermal cycles, heat transfer, thermal limits and Reactor systems, their optimisation and operating characteristics including normal operation and how to address main types of fault condition.

Nuclear Materials
Dr M Stopher

Fuel and reactor materials – including selection, safety and life issues – radiation behaviour and damage, structural integrity and fracture mechanics, EAC

Fuel Cycle, Waste & Decommissioning
Professor I Farnan, R Skelton

Whole fuel cycle: mining to waste and how waste is managed, decommissioning principles.

Nuclear Safety Principles and Practice
Dr N Read

This module will provide an understanding and an ability to recognise key design and safety issues and how they might be addressed, including the principles and practices of reactor safety as it affects design, operation and justification of modern reactors.

Nuclear Technology Policy
Professor W Nuttall

Energy studies and climate change, economics of energy, nuclear politics, proliferation and physical security.

Nuclear Practice
Various External Lecturers

The module consists of a series of panel sessions led by senior external members of the UK nuclear industry and related government bodies, giving their viewpoint and experience of important past events on the current prospects and issues that affect the sector.

NE MPhil

Computational Reactor Modelling
Dr P Cosgrove

The module covers the basic theory and methods in computational reactor physics followed by a series of practicums with hands-on experience of using state-of-the-art computer codes used for simulation of nuclear systems.

NE MPhil

Advanced Fission and Fusion Reactor Systems
Dr N Read

This module will provide an understanding of advanced reactor systems, why they are being pursued, their advantages and their difficulties in proceeding to become commercially viable designs.

Additionally, an introduction to the main ideas behind nuclear fusion for energy, focusing on the basic ideas and concepts and the practical issues of bringing fusion to market, will be provided.