MPhys Physics with Theoretical Physics / Course details

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, the treatment, transport, and disposal of nuclear waste, decommissioning techniques, and reprocessing methods. Emphasis will be placed on the nuclear industry in the UK, but processes used worldwide 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 on nuclear energy production will be explored alongside public perceptions of the nuclear industry. 

Asynchronous material will be provided in advance of lectures. Lectures will consistent of a mix of developing key concepts from the asynchronous material, delivering new concepts, and working through example problems.

Workshops will provide an opportunity to practice solving problems with support from GTAs and lecturers. During the first half of the semester, the workshops will focus on material related to the online test. During the second half of the semester, the workshops will focus on coursework feedback and problems that relate to the written exam.

ILO 1. Explain the various processes that constitute nuclear fuel cycles including nuclear fission, and assess the efficiency of nuclear reactor designs

ILO 2. Explain and justify the use of techniques for the safe handling of radioactive materials

ILO 3. Generate risk assessments and safe systems of work for the management of radioactive materials and decommissioning of nuclear sites

ILO 4. Formulate and evaluate decommissioning strategies for nuclear sites

ILO 5. Explain and critique reprocessing methodologies for closing the nuclear fuel cycle

ILO6. Understand factors that influence public perception of nuclear energy, including but not limited to proliferation resistance

ILO7. Describe the different forms of radiation, assess the associated risks and calculate radiation doses

ILO8. Select the appropriate classification of nuclear waste by calculating radioactivity levels, and appraise the processes used for transporting, treating and disposing nuclear waste

ILO9. Describe and explain the challenges that arise across the fusion fuel cycle, and discuss how they may be solved

Cinelli, Giorgia; Tollefsen, Tore; Bossew, Peter; Gruber, Valeria; Bogucarskis, Konstantins; De Felice, Luca; De Cort, Marc. (2019). Digital version of the European Atlas of natural radiation. Journal of environmental radioactivity. DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2018.02.008

Wilson, P. D. (1996). The nuclear fuel cycle: from ore to wastes. Oxford University Press. ISBN: 9780198565406

Crossland, Ian. (2012). Nuclear fuel cycle science and engineering. Woodhead Publishing. ISBN: 9780857096388

Piro, Markus H. A. (2020). Advances in nuclear fuel chemistry. Woodhead Publishing. ISBN: 9780081025710

Cinelli, Giorgia; De Cort, Marc; Tollefsen, Tore. (2019). European atlas of natural radiation. Publications Office. ISBN: 9276082581