MSc Nuclear Science and Technology / Course details

Year of entry: 2024

Course unit details:
Particle Engineering in the Nuclear Industry

Course unit fact file
Unit code PHYS65070
Credit rating 15
Unit level FHEQ level 7 – master's degree or fourth year of an integrated master's degree
Teaching period(s) Full year
Available as a free choice unit? No

Aims

The unit aims to:
1)    Introduce particle technology and its relevance to the nuclear fuel cycle;
2)    Review particle technology challenges encountered during POCO and decommissioning of legacy nuclear facilities;
3)    Provide a fundamental understanding on the science underpinning particle behavior: i) colloid science and ii) suspension rheology;
4)    Apply your particle technology knowledge to real-world problems encountered in suspension transport and separations;
5)    Provide a fundamental understanding on the science underpinning powder properties and processing;
6)    Provide hands-on learning through completion of laboratory experiments studying the re-suspension and transport of nuclear simulants.

Learning outcomes

ILO 1 - Knowledge and understanding: 
1)    Understand why particle science is important for the nuclear industry;
2)    Have an appreciation of available methods for characterising, measuring and modelling particle systems;
3)    Have a strong understanding of the basics of particle science.
ILO 2 - Intellectual skills: 
1)    Demonstrate an ability to design processing strategies using theoretical and empirical models;
2)    Proactively to formulate ideas and hypotheses and to evaluate these.
ILO 3 - Practical skills: 
1)    Analysis of, and decision making in, complex unpredictable situations;
2)    Report writing skills and an ability to communicate conclusions.
ILO 4 - Transferable skills and personal qualities: 
1)    The skills necessary to undertake a higher research degree and/or for employment in a higher capacity in industry or area of professional practice;
2)    Self-direction and effective decision making in complex and unpredictable situations;
3)    To take a proactive and self-reflective role in working and to develop professional relationships with others.

Assessment methods

Method Weight
Other 20%
Written assignment (inc essay) 50%
Report 30%

1 hour in-class test (MCQ and short answer questions)

Feedback methods

Feedback will be given via Blackboard.

Teaching staff

Staff member Role
David Harbottle Unit coordinator

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