DISTANCE LEARNING

The following 10 modules are available in distance learning format. From September 2009, delivery of N12 (Reactor Thermal Hydraulics) and N07 (Nuclear Safety Case Development) in February 2010 will commence. Each module will contain the same syllabus as its counterpart delivered by direct teaching, will have the same learning outcomes and will be delivered once per annum at a fixed time in order to facilitate the concept of a ‘virtual classroom’.

Student Registration Day 2009 Presentations

Semester 1 (October - February)

N01 Reactor Physics, Criticality & Design (syllabus)
N03 Radiation & Radiological Protection (syllabus)
N04 Decommissioning / Waste / Environmental Management (syllabus)
N10 Processing, Storage and Disposal of Nuclear Wastes (syllabus)
N12 Reactor Thermal Hydraulics (syllabus)

Semester 2 (March - June)

N02 Nuclear Fuel Cycle (syllabus)
N07 Nuclear Safety Case Development (syllabus)
N13 Criticality Safety Management (syllabus)
N29 Decommissioning Technology & Robotics (syllabus)
N31 Management of the Decommissioning Process (syllabus)

The distance learning platform is BlackBoard, a web-based Virtual Learning Environment, accessible anywhere, anytime and includes course handbooks, course content, timetables, course news, discussion groups, video clips and email.

Key features:

Content (selective release/timed release etc)

Multimedia (animation/audio/video)

Communication Tools (discussion/email)

Assessment (quizzes/self tests/online assignment submission)

Course Management (student tracking/online gradebook)

The teaching material includes exercises which can be assessed by the module leader (on-line), individual self tests, group projects, downloadable material and other related resources.

It is strongly recommended that students have access to broadband. Students also receive a CD of the module which allows study (but not interactive exercises) to be undertaken on a lap top whilst e.g. travelling.

Unless a module contains a compulsory residential session for laboratory work, students may undertake an entire module remotely from the university campus. However an optional one day residential programme is delivered during each module, allowing students to meet the course leader and their fellow students and have the opportunity for discussions on key aspects of the module. As with the direct taught version, a significant individual assignment is incorporated as well as an examination. The latter is also taken remotely from the university campus, at a location convenient for the student and acceptable to NTEC.