- UCAS course code
- H803
- UCAS institution code
- M20
Master of Engineering (MEng)
MEng Chemical Engineering with Industrial Experience
Duration: 4 years
Year of entry: 2025
UCAS course code: H803 / Institution code: M20
- Key features:
Industrial experience
Scholarships available
Accredited course
- Typical A-level offer: A*AA including specific subjects
- Typical contextual A-level offer: AAA including specific subjects
- Refugee/care-experienced offer: AAB including specific subjects
- Typical International Baccalaureate offer: 37 points overall with 7,6,6 at HL, including specific requirements
Course unit details:
Nuclear Fuel Cycle
| Unit code | CHEN40221 |
|---|---|
| Credit rating | 15 |
| Unit level | Level 4 |
| Teaching period(s) | Semester 1 |
| Available as a free choice unit? | No |
Overview
The unit will provide an introductory overview of all aspects of the nuclear fuel cycle including the mining of uranium ore, the fabrication of nuclear fuel, the nuclear fission process, treatment, transport and disposal of nuclear waste, decommissioning techniques and reprocessing methods. Emphasis on these topics will be placed on the nuclear industry within the UK, but processes used throughout the world in the nuclear sector will also be considered. Students will gain an understanding of the radiological hazards associated with working in the nuclear industry and how the associated risks can be successfully managed. Historical perspectives of nuclear energy production will be explored in conjunction with public perceptions of the nuclear industry.
Aims
The unit aims to:
-Provide an overview of both open and closed nuclear fuel cycles.
-Provide an understanding of the different forms of radiation encountered and their associated risks.
-Develop an appreciation of the complexities involved in working in the nuclear industry and an understanding of how the risks in handling radioactive material can be managed.
Teaching and learning methods
| Assessment task | Length | Weighting within unit (if relevant) |
| Continuous assessment | - | 50% |
| Exam style assessment | - | 50% |
Transferable skills and personal qualities
Describe the different forms of radiation, assess the associated risks and calculate radiation doses.
Relate the history of nuclear energy to its perception to the general public.
Explain the various processes that constitute nuclear fuel cycles including nuclear fission, and assess the efficiency of nuclear reactor designs.
Explain the concept of proliferation resistance.
Select the appropriate classification of nuclear waste by calculating radioactivity levels, and appraise the processes used for transporting, treating and disposing nuclear waste.
Explain and critique reprocessing methodologies for closing the nuclear fuel cycle.
Formulate and evaluate decommissioning strategies for nuclear sites.
Generate risk assessments and safe systems of work for the management of radioactive materials and decommissioning of nuclear sites.
Explain and justify the use of techniques for the safe handling of radioactive materials.
Assessment methods
| Method | Weight |
|---|---|
| Other | 50% |
| Written exam | 50% |
Study hours
| Scheduled activity hours | |
|---|---|
| Lectures | 26 |
| Independent study hours | |
|---|---|
| Independent study | 124 |
Teaching staff
| Staff member | Role |
|---|---|
| Clint Sharrad | Unit coordinator |
| Kathryn George | Unit coordinator |