Course unit details:
Processing, Storage & Disposal of Nuclear Waste
| Unit code | PHYS65060 |
|---|---|
| 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 |
Overview
The basic approaches of nuclear waste management and an introduction to the scientific fundamentals of nuclear waste processing and disposal.
Aims
Reviews basic approaches of nuclear waste management and gives an introduction to the scientific fundamentals of nuclear waste processing and disposal.
Learning outcomes
ILO 1 - Recall and interpret information on radioactivity, radionuclides and the different types of radioactive waste.
ILO 2 - Explain the general approaches to nuclear waste management.
ILO 3 - Define the techniques commonly employed in nuclear waste processing and evaluate the most appropriate storage or disposal route for a particular waste.
ILO 4 - Develop an evidence based strategy for dealing with a defined nuclear waste management problem.
ILO 5 - Perform a group investigation and disseminate information in a group presentation to a peer group, on an aspect of global nuclear waste management practices
Teaching and learning methods
Learning material is primarily delivered via lectures. Directly delivered content is supplemented by pre-recorded online material, self-test questions, and peer-to-peer learning.
Assessment methods
| Method | Weight |
|---|---|
| Written assignment (inc essay) | 80% |
| Oral assessment/presentation | 20% |
Feedback methods
Feedback will be given via Blackboard.
Recommended reading
W. E. Lee, M. I. Ojovan, M. C. Stennett & N. C. Hyatt. Immobilisation of radioactive waste in glasses, glass composite materials and ceramics. Advances in Applied Ceramics, Vol. 105 (2013) 3-12.
C. L. Corkhill & N. C. Hyatt. Nuclear waste management. IOP Publishing Ltd, 18p. (2018).
N. C. Hyatt. Safe management of the UK separated plutonium inventory: a challenge of materials degradation. npj Materials Degradation, Vol. 4 (2020) 1-4.
N. C. Hyatt. Plutonium management policy in the United Kingdom: The need for a dual track strategy. Energy Policy, Vol. 101 (2017) 303-309.
M.I. Ojovan, W.E. Lee. An introduction to nuclear waste immobilization. Elsevier, 315p. (2005).
P. Wilson. The Nuclear Fuel Cycle. Wiley and Sons, Incorporated, 405p. (2001).
N.A. Chapman, I.G. McKinley. The geological disposal of nuclear waste. John Wiley and Sons, New York, 437p. (1987).
Study hours
| Scheduled activity hours | |
|---|---|
| Lectures | 21 |
| Tutorials | 11 |
| Independent study hours | |
|---|---|
| Independent study | 118 |
Teaching staff
| Staff member | Role |
|---|---|
| Martin Stennett | Unit coordinator |