Module Catalogues

Nuclear Energy Technology

Module Title Nuclear Energy Technology
Module Level Level 4
Module Credits 5.00

Aims and Fit of Module

▪	Provide students with an introduction to nuclear reactor technology with particular emphasis of power generation
▪ Introduce students to the key disciplines of reactor physics and thermal hydraulics as applied in the design of a nuclear reactor system for power generation
▪ Equip students with the knowledge and criteria of the nuclear security.

Learning outcomes

A. demonstrate expert knowledge of and/or be able to offer critical insight into the current status of nuclear reactors for electricity generation, and advantages and disadvantages of different types of nuclear reactors for applications in a sustainable energy economy;
B. demonstrate expert knowledge of and/or be able to offer critical insight into the pressurised Water Reactors (PWR), specifically develop a detailed understanding of the underlying reactor physics and engineering aspects of the design, sufficient to predict the steady state and dynamic response of the plant;
C. demonstrate expert knowledge of and/or be able to offer critical insight into the underlying principles of energy conversion systems for transforming nuclear heat into electricity; key safety issues associated with nuclear power generation; and outline of the development of new-generation reactors and assess their application for electricity generation;
D. show the intellectual ability to provide critical awareness of current problems of environment and sustainability in power energy generations, and critically appraise different reactor types, including novel designs, for various applications in a sustainable energy economy;
E. demonstrate the module specific practical skills of using MATLAB to analyse the thermal-hydrodynamic properties in the reactor core;
F. demonstrate the general transferable skills in planning, project management and communicating complex ideas.

Method of teaching and learning

This module will be delivered through a combination of formal lectures and tutorials.  Students will receive regular feedback on their reports to help them to monitor their progress.