Bachelor of Science in Nuclear Engineering

Course #

Title

CrHrs

Prerequisites

1501116

Programming 1

4

None

1430118

Physics 2 Lab

1

1430116
Pre/Co: 1430117

0406101

Statics and Dynamics

3

1440133; 1430115

0406100

Introduction to Energy Science and Technology

3

Pre/Co: 1430117

0402202

Circuit Analysis I

3

Pre/Co: 1430117,
Pre/Co: 1440261

0405221

Eng. Probability Statistics

3

Pre/Co: 0402202

0407200

Introduction to Nuclear Engineering and Radiological Science

3

1440161; 1430117,
Pre/Co: 0406100

0406200

Thermodynamics

3

0406101

0402255

Applied Electronics for SREE

3

0402202

0402256

Applied Electronics for SREE Lab

1

Pre/Co: 0402255

0402340

Engineering Computations and Linear Algebra

3

1501116
1440261

0402348

Signals and Control Systems

3

0402202; 0406101

0407204

Nuclear Instrumentation and Measurement

3

0405221
0407202

0407202

Fundamentals of Nuclear Engineering and Radiological Science

3

0407200

0406201

Fluid Mechanics

3

0406101

0406202

Fluid Mechanics Lab

1

Pre/Co: 0406201

0407304

Analytical Methods for Nuclear Engineers

3

1440261

0407306

Nuclear Science and Engineering Lab I

1

0407204; 0402255

0406300

Heat Transfer

3

0406200, 0406201

0406301

Heat Transfer Lab

1

Pre/Co: 0406300

0407300

Elements of Nuclear Engineering and Radiological Sciences

3

0407202,
Pre/Co: 0407304

0407308

Nuclear Reactor Theory

3

0407300, 0402340

0407307

Nuclear Science and Engineering Lab II

1

0407306

0407305

Nuclear Engineering Materials

3

1420101
0407202

0407302

Reactor Thermal Hydraulics

3

0406300, 0407300

0407401

Nuclear Power Reactors

3

0407308; 0407302

0407403

Advanced Nuclear Lab

1

0402348
Pre/Co: 0407402,
Pre/Co: 0407401

0407402

Reactor Safety Analysis

3

0407308, 0407302,
Pre/Co: 0407401

0407491

Senior Design Project I

1

Senior Standing
Pre/Co: 0407302, 0407308

0407492

Senior Design Project II

3

0407491

04074XX

NE Technical Elective I

3

Depending on Selected Courses

04074XX

NE Technical Elective II

3

Depending on Selected Courses

Nuclear Engineering

Course #

Title

CrHrs

Prerequisites

0407450

Applications of Radiation

3

0407300

0407453

Engineering Principles of Radiation Imaging

3

0407450

0407454

Radiological Health Engineering Fundamentals

3

0407300

0407455

Quantum Mechanics for Nuclear Engineering

3

0407300, 0407304

0407456

Nuclear Reactor Dynamics

3

0407308, 0407302

0407457

Nuclear Safeguards Technology

3

0407401

0407458

Nuclear Security

3

0407402

0407459

Nuclear Fuel Cycle

3

0407401

0407470

Special Topics in Nuclear Engineering

3

0407300

1501116

Programming 1

3-2:4

This course introduces basic programming techniques in a high-level language to CS students. Subjects include: computer science fields, general introduction on computers and numbering systems, software development process, a high-level programming language, selection structures, repetition structures, functions and procedures, structured and user-defined data types, text files, arrays, and dynamic memory allocation. Prerequisite: None.

1430118

Physics II Laboratory

0-3:1

Various experiments covering the topics mentioned in Physics (II) course.

Pre-requisite:

1430116 - Physics 1 Lab

Pre/Co: 1430117 - Physics II.

0402202

Circuit Analysis I

3-0:3

Fundamentals of DC and AC circuit laws; Mathematical models for circuit elements; Techniques for circuit analysis and for writing and solving circuit equations; Circuit theorems; Introduction to Op-Amps; Transient analysis of first-order circuits; Phasor technique for steady-state sinusoidal response.

Prerequisite:

Pre/Co 1440261 - Differential Equations for Engineers

Pre/Co 1430117 - Physics II

0405221

Eng. Probability and Statistics

3-0:3

Descriptive statistics and sampling, sample space and events, axioms of probability, conditional probability, statistical independence, Bayes theorem, discrete probability distributions (uniform, binomial, geometric, Poisson), continuous probability distributions (normal, exponential, gamma and Weibull), joint probability distribution, point estimation, central limit theorem, interval estimation, use of statistical software.

Prerequisite:

Pre/Co 0402202 - Circuit Analysis I.

0402255

Applied Electronics for SREE

3-0:3

Introduction to semiconductor materials and devices. Analysis of Diodes and applications. Analysis of transistor circuits (BJTs, MOSFETs). Amplifier circuits, bandwidth; feedback. Operational amplifiers and applications, filter and oscillator circuits. Introduction to power electronics, DC-DC converters and DC-AC inverters.

Pre-requisite:

0402202 - Circuit Analysis I

0402256

Applied Electronics Lab for SREE

0-3:1

Diode characteristics, PSPICE simulation, BJT and MOS biasing circuits, Amplifier and its frequency response, Operational Amplifier Applications, DC-DC converters and DC-AC inverters.

Prerequisite:

Pre/Co 0402255 - Applied Electronics for SREE

0402340

Engineering Computation and Linear Algebra

3-0:3

Basic linear algebra: LU decomposition, normal equations and least squares solutions, eigenvalues and eigenvectors decomposition of matrices. Numerical solution of linear and nonlinear system of equations, eigenvalues and eigenvectors, curve fitting, numerical differentiation and integration of functions, numerical solution of ordinary differential equations, use of MATLAB to solve complex engineering problems.

Prerequisite:

1501116 - Programming 1

1440261 - Differential Equations for Engineers.

0402348

Signals and Control Systems

3-0:3

Representation and analysis of signals. Fourier transforms. Linear time-invariant systems, impulse response, frequency response and transfer function. Introduction to linear feedback control. Analysis and design of classical control systems. Control system components and industrial process automation.

Pre-requisite:

0402202 - Circuit Analysis I

0406101 - Statics and Dynamics

0406100

Introduction to Energy Science and Technology

3-0:3

Introduction to energy. Survey of energy technologies including steam, hydro, tidal, wave, fossil, geothermal, solar, wind, bio-fuels, and nuclear. Energy sources and conservation of energy, energy efficiency, energy production and uses, sources of energy for both conventional and renewable. Climate change and the future of energy. Free hand sketching, isometric drawing and orthographic projections. Introduction to 3D AutoCAD and MATLAB.

Prerequisite:

Pre/Co 1430117 - Physics II

0406101

Statics and Dynamics

3-0:3

Force and moment vectors, resultants. Principles of statics and free-body diagrams. Properties of areas, second moments. Internal forces in beams. Laws of friction. Principles of particle dynamics. Mechanical systems and rigid-body dynamics. Kinematics and dynamics of plane systems. Energy and momentum of 2-D bodies and systems.

Prerequisite:

1430115 - Physics I and 1440131 - Calculus I for Engineers.

0406200

Thermodynamics

3-0:3

Basic concepts of thermodynamics: temperature, work, heat, internal energy and enthalpy. First law of thermodynamics for closed and steady-flow open systems. Thermodynamic properties of pure substances; changes of phase; equation of state. Second law of thermodynamics: concept of entropy. Power and refrigeration cycles.

Pre-requisite:

0406101 - Statics and Dynamics; 0406100

0406201

Fluid Mechanics

3-0:3

Fluid properties; Units; Pressure and fluid statics: pressure distribution in fluid at rest, hydrostatic forces on plane and curved surfaces, buoyancy and stability. Fluids in rigid body motion; Fluid Kinematics, dynamics of fluid motion: concepts of streamline, control volume, steady and one-dimensional flows; continuity, Euler, Bernoulli, steady flow energy, linear and angular momentum equations; flow in pipes and losses.

Prerequisite:

0406101 - Statics and Dynamics.

0406202

Fluid Mechanics Lab

0-3:1

Introduction to basic fluid mechanics instrumentation; experimental verification and reinforcement of analytical concepts introduced in course 0406201.

Prerequisite:

0406201 - Fluid Mechanics

0406300

Heat Transfer

3-0:3

Mechanisms of heat transfer: conduction, convection and radiation. Steady heat conduction, insulation, cooling. Transient heat conduction. Forced convection; natural convection. Heat exchangers. Applications to energy systems.

Prerequisite:

0406200 - Thermodynamics.

0406301

Heat Transfer Lab

0-3:1

Experiments on measurement techniques heat transfer principles of linear and radial conduction; unsteady state heat conduction; natural and forced convection; parallel and counter flow exchangers; thermal radiation; temperature measurement.

Prerequisite:

Pre/Co 0406300 - Heat Transfer.

0407304

Analytical Methods for Nuclear Engineers

3-0:3

Multiple Integrals. Expanding functions in power series, complex plane, complex power series, elementary functions of complex numbers. Power series solutions of differential equations, special functions. Laplace transform solutions of differential equations. Partial differential equations. Introduction to Monte Carlo Method. Applications to Nuclear Engineering problems (specifically in nuclear reactor theory and radiation transport) and implementation with MATLAB or any computing language.

Prerequisite:

1440161 - Calculus II for Engineers.

0407200

Introduction to Nuclear Engineering and Radiological Sciences

3-0:3

This course will cover history and applications of Nuclear Energy as well as fusion and fission processes, radioactivity chains, fundamentals of reactor designs. Additionally, the course will inform about biological effects of radiation, environmental impact of nuclear activities, nuclear proliferation, reactors waste and ethical issues related to nuclear engineering.

Prerequisites:

1440161 - Calculus II for Engineers; 1430117 - Physics II.

0407202

Fundamentals of Nuclear Engineering and Radiological Sciences

3-0:3

The course will cover the technological, industrial and medical applications of radiation, radioactive materials and fundamental particles. Special relativity, basic nuclear physics, interactions of radiation with matter. Binary nuclear reactions. Fission reactors and the fuel cycle.

Prerequisite:

0407200 - Introduction to Nuclear Engineering and Radiological Sciences.

An introduction to the devices and techniques most common in nuclear measurements. Topics include the principles of operation of gas-filled, solid state, and scintillation detectors for charged particle, gamma ray, and neutron radiations. Techniques of pulse shaping, counting, and analysis for radiation spectroscopy. Timing and coincidence measurements.

Prerequisite:

0405221 - Engineering Probability and Statistics; 0407202 - Fundamentals of Nuclear Engineering and Radiological Science.

The course introduces students to the basics about Nuclear Reactor Physics. It covers topics such as the basic reactor core components and properties (fuel, moderator, coolant, and absorbers), neutron distributions in energy (for fast, intermediate, and thermal neutrons), reactor kinetics (multiplying and non-multiplying, finite or infinite systems), reactivity feedback, and long-term behavior.

Prerequisite:

0407202 - Fundamentals of Nuclear Engineering and Radiological Sciences.

This course will cover the thermal-hydraulic fundamentals of nuclear power reactors, which includes principles of single-phase flow, two-phase flow, and heat transfer. The applications of convection heat transfer, boiling heat transfer, condensation, thermosiphon, and modeling of two-phase flows in nuclear power reactors are discussed in detail. The course covers the overall thermal-hydraulic characteristics of the reactor core including core heat generation, thermodynamics of nuclear energy, and thermal analysis of fuel elements.

Prerequisite:

0406300 - Heat Transfer; 0407300 - Elements of Nuclear Engineering and Radiological Sciences.

The course introduces students to properties and selection criteria of materials for nuclear reactors. It covers topics such as crystal structures and crystal defects (point, line, surface, and volume), mechanical properties (stress, strain, toughness, fracture, hardness, impact, creep, and fatigue), and corrosion properties. Radiation damage models, microstructural changes, swelling, radiation hardening, radiation embrittlement, and radiation effects on fatigue are discussed. Metallic and ceramic fuels’ mechanical, thermal, and corrosion properties are also covered.

Prerequisites:

0407202 - Fundamentals of Nuclear Engineering and Radiological Sciences; 1420101 - General Chemistry I.

An introduction to measurements common in nuclear science. The operation of gas-filled and solid-state detectors; scintillation detectors for gamma, neutron radiation, and charged particles. Counting techniques and nuclear statistics, pulse shaping, and spectroscopic analysis of radiation.

Prerequisite:

0402255 - Applied Electronics for SREE; 0407204 - Nuclear Instrumentation and Measurement.

Enhancement of laboratory skills pertinent to nuclear engineering. Experiments related to gamma coincidence, half-life, scattering of alpha particles, x-ray fluorescence, and neutron activation.

Prerequisite:

0407306 - Nuclear Science and Engineering Laboratory I.

The course covers topics including neutron transport (neutron density and flux, angular densities and currents, common simplifications to the transport equation, Fick's law, and diffusion boundary conditions), the one-speed diffusion theory model (neutron diffusion in non-multiplying media, numerical methods for solving the neutron diffusion equation, the one-speed diffusion model of a nuclear reactor, and reactor criticality calculations) and neutron.

Prerequisite:

0407300 - Elements of Nuclear Engineering and Radiological Sciences; 0402340 - Engineering Computation; Linear Algebra.

The course discusses the performance of nuclear power plant systems and their role in power production. The focus is on reactor performance under normal operating conditions and reactor behavior under design basis accidents. The course emphasizes analyzing reactor thermodynamic cycles, components of different power reactor types (PWR, BWR, Gas Reactors, and Fast Breeding Reactors), design synthesis, reactor overall performance, load curves, environmental impacts of nuclear power plants, and nuclear plant economics.

Prerequisite:

0407308 - Nuclear Reactor Theory; 0407302 - Reactor Thermal Hydraulics.

The course covers the principles and methods used in the safety evaluation of nuclear power plants. Topics include safety philosophies, design criteria and regulations, deterministic and probabilistic models, reliability analysis, radiological consequences, and risk assessment. Design-basis and severe accident analysis, the role of engineered safety systems, siting, and licensing are also discussed. Case studies of accidents are included.

Prerequisite:

0407308 - Nuclear Reactor Theory; 0407302 - Reactor Thermal Hydraulics; Pre/Co 0407401 - Nuclear Power Reactors.

Measurement of nuclear performance, control rod worth, critical rod location, power and flux distributions, and feedback coefficients of reactivity.

Prerequisite:

0407307 - Nuclear Science and Engineering Laboratory II; 0402348 - Signals and Control Systems; Pre/Co 0407402 - Reactor Safety Analysis; Pre/Co 0407401 - Nuclear Power Reactors.

Graduation project consists of two courses: Senior Design Project I and Senior Design Project II. Small groups of students work together on a project under the supervision of the project supervisor. Each group presents their project and submits a detailed report. This is the first phase of the graduation project, where students develop a preliminary design of the proposed project as outlined in the report and give a presentation at the end of the semester.

Prerequisite:

Senior standing; Pre/Co: 0407302 - Reactor Thermal Hydraulics; 0407308 - Nuclear Reactor Theory.

Student teams develop professional-level experience by applying, integrating, and extending previously acquired knowledge in a major design project. Lectures are devoted to discussing project-related issues and student presentations. A project progress proposal, report, oral presentations, and a comprehensive final report are required. Students apply modern engineering design methods to choose from alternative designs subject to realistic constraints. Groups work together to design, build, refine, and test complete hardware and/or software systems to meet specifications.

Prerequisite:

0407491 - Senior Design Project I.

Applications of radiation interaction with matter using various forms (neutrons, ions, electrons, photons) of radiation, including radiotracers, radiogauges, activation analysis, X-ray fluorescence, neutron radiography, and nuclear reaction analysis.

Prerequisite:

0407300 - Elements of Nuclear Engineering and Radiological Sciences.

Analytic description of radiation production, transport, and detection in radiation imaging systems. Measurement methods for image quality and statistical performance of observers. Systems for radiographic and radioisotope imaging, including film/screen, storage phosphor, and electronic radiography, fluoroscopy, computed tomography, Anger camera, and PET systems. Emphasis is on the impact of random processes on observer detection.

Prerequisite:

0407450 - Application of Radiation.

The course covers the physical and biological aspects of the use of ionizing radiation in industrial and academic institutions. Topics include the physical principles underlying shielding instrumentation, waste disposal, biological effects of low levels of ionizing radiation, and biological effects at the molecular, cellular, and organism levels. External and internal dose estimation, non-ionizing radiation safety methods are also discussed.

Prerequisite:

0407300 - Elements of Nuclear Engineering and Radiological Sciences.

Basics of quantum mechanics, wave-particle duality, the semi-classical theory, Schrödinger's equation and its solution in one dimension. Tunneling effects and radioactive decay, the deuteron, neutron-proton scattering, models of the nuclear interaction, the Jellium model, and nuclear shell theory.

Prerequisite:

0407300 - Elements of Nuclear Engineering and Radiological Sciences; 0407304 - Analytical Methods for Nuclear Engineers.

Basic equations and physical parameters of point reactor kinetics without feedback effects; the nuclear reactor as a total system; reactor excursions, Fuchs-Nordheim and Bethe-Tait models; space-time reactor dynamics; synthesis methods.

Prerequisite:

0407308 - Nuclear Reactor Theory; 0407302 - Reactor Thermal Hydraulics.

The course provides nuclear engineering students with a background and overview of key topics important to nuclear materials safeguards, accountability, and non-proliferation. This course introduces the concepts behind nuclear materials controls and accountability, State System of Accounting Systems, and various NDA equipment used for verification of nuclear material as well as systems for containment and surveillance.

Prerequisite:

0407401 - Nuclear Power Reactors.

Introduction to nuclear security, including knowledge of national/international nuclear laws, security of radioactive materials and facilities, basics of nuclear materials accounting and control, an overview of an export control system, national/international control lists, border monitoring systems, types, assessment, localization and identification, verification of alarms, illicit trafficking of nuclear materials, and nuclear security emergency procedures.

Prerequisite:

0407402 - Reactor Safety Analysis.

This course provides a foundation in the nuclear fuel cycle, covering topics from nuclear fuel reprocessing to waste treatment and final disposal. Topics include the uranium nuclear fuel cycle: mining, conversion, enrichment, fuel manufacturing, in-core fuel management, refueling, spent fuel storage, reprocessing/recycling, and final disposition as waste in a geological repository. Concepts of nuclear safeguards and non-proliferation are discussed at each step of the cycle.

Prerequisite:

0407401 - Nuclear Power Reactors.

The course introduces the fuel manufacturing process and common materials used in manufacturing fuel pellets and cladding, and their properties. The main parameters that govern the design of Light Water Reactor (LWR) fuel elements are discussed and analyzed, including power-burnup envelope, UO2 deformation, fission gas release, oxidation, Zircaloy deformation, and radiation damage. The Power-Flow relationship within the fuel assembly and its impact on the fuel assembly size, pitch, and grid spacer mixing vanes is analyzed. The course also covers testing and inspection procedures of as-received and irradiated fuel assemblies.

Prerequisite:

0407300 - Elements of Nuclear Engineering and Radiological Sciences.