Nuclear Technology Courses

This course provides an overview of the clean energy sector, particularly highlighting nuclear energy. Students will explore career pathways in diverse fields that connect to the clean energy sector, research local and national initiatives, and explore the foundational principles of clean energy production. The course covers key concepts in power and energy systems, analyzing the benefits and challenges of various clean energy sources, including emerging trends and their environmental impacts. By the end of the course, students will have a good understanding of clean energy, nuclear advancements, and regional and national career opportunities. This course is open to all students, regardless of major.

Introduction to basic nuclear concepts using mathematics and physics; includes concepts of dimensional analysis, algebra, geometry, trigonometry, mechanical principles, simple machines, including definitions, and basic concepts. Industrial and science applications of nuclear processes, and risk/benefit analysis are included.

Topics include types of radiation, radioactive decay, activity, radioactive sources, and interaction of radiation with matter, radiation units, and basic fundamentals of exposure, dose, and personnel dose. The course includes an opportunity to practice basic radiation protection tasks.

Introduction to the basics of reactor plant operations. Topics include: atomic theory and nuclear energy, reactor types, neutron behavior and reactivity control, major primary and secondary plant systems, and selected industry events.

Introduction to tank farms, vitrification, and decommissioning nuclear facilities.

Introduces common mechanical components and support systems used in nuclear facilities. Topics include valves and actuators, pumps, diesel engines, heat exchangers and condensers, steam turbines (including supercritical CO¿ concepts), air compressors, HVAC and the basic refrigeration cycle, steam traps and water hammer, ejectors and eductors, and demineralizers. Emphasis is placed on component purpose, basic construction, operating principles, and common operational problems supporting safe, reliable, and clean energy power production.

Introduction to the fission process, reactivity/criticality, basic reactor kinetics, heat removal, reactor types, nuclear power plant chemistry, and elementary thermodynamics. In addition, basic radiation worker training is provided in this course.

An introduction to nuclear facility safety, accident analysis, and environmental regulations and compliance standards.

An online, self-paced course that prepares Nuclear Technology students for internships and entry-level hiring. Students learn workplace expectations and safety fundamentals, develop a resume, practice behavioral interview responses, and complete an industry experience or project that supports professional connections.

Designed to provide students with major-related, supervised, evaluated practical training work experiences with a company that uses nuclear technicians in radiation protection, nuclear reactor operations, or nuclear reactor maintenance which may be paid or voluntary. Students are graded on the basis of documented learning acquired through hands-on new experiences in an actual work setting.

This course is designed for students who have yet to obtain an internship in the nuclear industry. As part of the course, students will undertake an industry project in the nuclear field, applying their learned skills and training to become effective employees in the sector. The project will build upon their nuclear technology studies and deepen their understanding of working in the nuclear industry, enhancing their knowledge and experience.

Designed to give students a broad understanding of nuclear chemistry. Focuses on basic reactor water chemistry fundamentals, basic material properties, brittle fracture characteristics/mechanisms, and plant material problems.

Formerly MEC 111, NT 170

Introduction to the concepts of mechanical and fluid power transmission including principles of heat, steam, heat transfer, and fluid flow.

This course prepares nuclear technology students for taking multiple industry exams, which may include DOE Core Exam, POSS, or other exams as may be required by industry employers. $25 NT exam course printing fee.

This course provides students with background in managing work functions in nuclear facilities, including compliance with federal and state regulations, quality assurances, and maintenance forms and records. This class should be taken during or after the second year of study in the Nuclear Technology program. Instructor permission is required for enrollment.

A class used to explore new coursework or for a specific topic of interest.