Nuclear Fuel Cycle & Radiation Shielding

Module Title - Nuclear Fuel Cycle & Radiation Shielding
Number of credits – 10

Module description

This module is designed to introduce the student to the Nuclear Fuel Cycle and the key radionuclides produced. The module syllabus includes: reactor systems, covering all designs of operational power reactors with analysis of advantages and limitations; an introduction to the economics of nuclear power generation reactor; the stages of the nuclear fuel cycle, including hazards and wastes arising and the basic chemistry of processing stages; methods of designing appropriate shielding for radiation facilities; introduction to chemistry of key radionuclides – decay pathways, chemical forms, sources in the nuclear fuel cycle and waste and environmental behaviour.

By the end of the module you will be able to:

• Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of: types and sources of radioactive waste;
   - chemistry of key radionuclides;
   - all processes involved in the front- and back-ends of the nuclear fuel cycle and the associated safety and environmental considerations;
   - physics and chemistry behind fuel production from ore to final fuel;
   - the different types of nuclear power reactor, with examples of fuel, moderator, coolant and containment design;
   - principles of radiation shielding;
• Identify appropriate shielding for radiation sources;
• Perform shielding calculations;
• Demonstrate critical thinking numeracy and ICT skills.

Teaching and Assessment

• Semester 1;
• Assessment - 100% examination.