This course is intended to teach students about the health physics challenges of nuclear power reactors, research reactors, and proposed future reactors (small modular reactors, microreactors, fusion reactors). The course will include a discussion on historic reactor and critical assembly accidents. Course Outcomes: 1. Describe how PWR and BWR in the US work and the health physic hazards associated with each type. ILO (1, 2, 3) 2. Describe how TRIGA reactors work and the health physics hazards. ILO (1, 2, 3) 3. Explain what the health physics hazards are for the nuclear fuel cycle. ILO (1, 2, 3) 4. Differentiate between fission and fusion and explain the difference in health physics hazards. ILO (1, 2, 3) 5. Calculate neutron activation and associated dose rates. ILO (1, 2, 3) 6. Discuss how experiments in research reactor environments can change the health physics hazards. ILO (1, 2, 3, 4) 7. Evaluate and present on anticipated health physics concerns and challenges of proposed small modular reactors or microreactors. ILO(1, 2, 3, 4) 8. Describe the nuclear criticality safety parameters for fissionable material. ILO (1, 2, 3)
Prerequisite
Completion of HPHYS 305 with a 2.5 or higher, or instructor permission.