This course introduces the nuclear power industry. It covers the physics and technology behind nuclear reactors, the state of the industry today and possible future directions. You’ll learn about how nuclear reactors work, the different designs in use today and future plans, including Small Modular Reactors (SMR) and novel reactor designs. We’ll also explain some of the key issues involved in building, operating, and decommissioning nuclear power plants. The course ends with a look at possible roles for nuclear power in a decarbonizing world, as a low-carbon energy source, a complement to renewable energy, and in hydrogen production.
There are no pre-requisites for this course and no advance preparation is required.
Programme Level: Basic
Course Code: ONP
Industry: The Power Industry
CPE Credits: 2 self-study CPE credits awarded for this course
You will learn to:
- Recognize how nuclear fission works, and name some materials that can be used as nuclear reactor fuels
- Identify the role of neutrons in a nuclear reaction
- Point out the main components of a nuclear reactor and their roles
- Name the countries that are major users of nuclear power in the world today
- Recognize the size and age profile of nuclear power plants
- Distinguish between the main types of nuclear reactor in use today
- Recognize some of the new reactor designs now being developed
- Identify the costs, time, and risks of nuclear power plant construction projects
- Name the countries that produce uranium fuel for nuclear power
- Recognize the key safety issues in nuclear plant operation and how they are mitigated
- Distinguish between different approaches to nuclear plant decommissioning and handling of nuclear waste
- Point out the potential benefits the small modular reactor approach
- Identify potential roles for nuclear energy in decarbonization
Practice exercises and self-assessment quizzes are included to help reinforce key topics introduced throughout the course.
A comprehensive final test will be given at the end of the course.
