Nuclear Technology Education Consortium 
MODULE SUMMARIES
Decommissioning
N04 Decommissioning / Waste / Environmental Management 
syllabus here
Examines and explains the process of decommissioning and considers how the related requirements should be taken into account in plant and equipment design. It establishes the requirements of the decontamination and clean-up process. The principles of the disposal and storage of nuclear waste are identified. The module covers the environmental principles underpinning the management of nuclear waste.
N10 Processing, Storage & Disposal of Nuclear Wastes syllabus here
Reviews the basic approaches to nuclear waste management and introduces the fundamental principles of nuclear waste processing, storage and disposal. The main types of waste and schemes for their processing and packaging are discussed highlighting cementation and vitrification immobilisation technologies.
N29 Decommissioning Technology & Robotics syllabus here
The aim of this module is to provide an ability to design and plan an effective decommissioning programme with an emphasis on immediate demolition using automation and remote handling. Topics covered include strategies for effective decommissioning characterisation, costing and analysis. Techniques for material cutting and waste minimisation, manual techniques, human exposure and protection are included with elements of robotic systems and their integration and control. The module includes a look at the international picture and also an industrial site visit to a live decommissioning project.
This module runs in direct taught format every 2 years. The next year it will run is 2010/11. It is run in distance learning format every year.
N31 Management of the Decommissioning Process syllabus here
Introduces the importance of making a sound case for a particular project to proceed. It covers both the financial and economic evaluation of projects, drawing the distinction between pure financial parameters and the broader economic cost benefit analysis approach. The course module goes on to cover the management of individual projects using modern proven project management techniques with case studies and real examples.
Nuclear Technology
N01 Reactor Physics, Criticality & Design syllabus here
After reviewing the history of the industry, different reactor designs are considered together with an overview of their basic features. Reactor physics are examined in some depth, including nuclear physics, reactor physics, criticality and radioactive decay. Reactor control and safety, accidents and risk assessment, containment and core layout and end of life issues are reviewed, concluding with consideration of advanced reactor design.
N02 Nuclear Fuel Cycle syllabus here
Describes the nuclear fuel cycle from the extraction of ore to disposal of waste and examines in detail, the technical, economical, safety and environmental issues involved during each stage. The processes involved in reprocessing of fuel are examined and the consequences reprocessing has, in terms of reactor fuel design and waste disposal, are discussed. Each stage is described on an international scale examining global markets and capacities.
N03 Radiation & Radiological Protection syllabus here
Explains the properties of different types of radiation occurring as a result of nuclear processes and identifies means whereby levels of radiation and dosages can be detected and measured. The principles of radiation protection and shielding are outlined and demonstrated through practical experience with radioactive sources and detection equipment. The module concludes with an overview of ionising radiation regulations and legislation governing the impact of radiation on people and the environment. The safe handling of accidents is illustrated through case studies of real incidents.
N13 Criticality Safety Management syllabus here
Examines and explains the techniques and philosophy of criticality safety management. It will briefly review the fundamental physical processes involved in criticality, taking as its basis the classical six-factor formula for keff. The effects of heterogeneity will be considered by applying simple 'hand' calculations e.g. surface density and compared with modern Monte Carlo methods. Relevant national and international standards will be identified and their underlying philosophies discussed.
ELECTIVE MODULES – SUGGESTED STREAMS
Decommissioning
N08 Particle & Colloid Engineering in the Nuclear Industry syllabus here
Knowledge of particle science is important in a number of technology areas of relevance to the nuclear industry. Particles are used and manipulated throughout the whole nuclear fuel cycle; process improvements are therefore strongly dependent on an understanding of particle behaviour under different conditions. This module covers all aspects of particle technology that can be considered relevant for the modern nuclear industry. Examples of where particles are relevant within the nuclear fuel cycle are used to highlight the central importance of this topic area to a nuclear engineer or scientist.
N09 Policy, Regulation & Licensing syllabus here
The nuclear industry is one of the most heavily regulated industries in the UK. Regulatory issues necessarily impact upon the development of national policy in environmental and energy areas. This module covers the Nuclear Installations Act, licensing issues, Radioactive Substances Act - Discharge Authorisations, transport of radioactive material and addresses UK radioactive waste policy and national strategies within this framework. Regulators outside the UK are covered briefly.
N14 Risk Management syllabus here
Introduces the concepts of risk management by reference to nuclear and other systems. Describes the mathematical analysis of risk based on probability modelling, which is extended to the case of quality modelling. A case study based on the Chernobyl accident is presented. Comparisons of risk management across industries are presented, including engineering contracting, rail transport, chemical process and pharmaceuticals as well as nuclear.
N21 Geological Disposal of Radioactive Wastel syllabus here
This module will examine historic and current UK developments in radioactive waste management and will introduce both geology and hydrogeology to the student. Shallow and deep methods of geological disposal and the multi-barrier concept will be investigated using UK and overseas case studies. Techniques of investigating the suitability of sites for geological disposal will be covered together with the correct recording methodology for soil and rock description. For both types of geological disposal the near and far-field processes will be considered; as will geohazards in relation to geological time.
This module runs every 2 years. The next year it will run is 2010/11.
N22 The Governance of Decommissioning and Radioactive Waste syllabus here
One of the principal areas of concern in the development of nuclear power is the issue of lack of public understanding of science in general, and radioactivity in particular. In terms of any proposals for the development of nuclear power, the concerns of both the lay-person, and many informed people, in terms of the problems of the disposal of radioactive wastes, are paramount. In this module, the social, economic and political aspects of international nuclear decommissioning programmes are examined, in the context of plant decommissioning and radioactive waste disposal.
This module runs every 2 years. The next year it will run is 2011/12.
N23 Environmental Impact Assessment syllabus here
Introduces the main scientific principles and legislative drivers underlying the carrying out of radiological impact assessments. It covers all of the environmental phases currently in receipt of radionuclide discharges from nuclear site operations: atmospheric, terrestrial and aquatic. The module establishes the tools and methods to assess radiological impact, demonstrating state-of-the-art assessment modelling practices.
This module runs every 2 years. The next year it will run is 2010/11.
N24 Environmental Decision Making Applied to Decommissioning syllabus here
This module introduces the important role that public perception, attitudes, values and beliefs play in environmental decision making. In it, we show how industry and regulators can use this information in environmental decision making approaches and techniques. Focusing upon nuclear facility siting and unsiting, this module is grounded in applied policy science and explores how scientific solutions may not meet public and policy expectations or requirements.
This module runs every 2 years. The next year it will run is 2010/11.
N30 Design of Safety-Critical Systems syllabus here
Provides students with knowledge of the design issues relevant to safety-critical systems. Topics included cover safety standards relevant to the design of engineering systems, and the IEC 61508 Safety Lifecycle and the implementation of the various steps of the process. Hazard identification and analysis techniques such as FMEA, HAZOP, and fault trees are also addressed.
This module runs every 2 years. The next year it will run is 2009/10.
Environment & Safety
N07 Nuclear Safety Case Development syllabus here
This module describes the statutory framework that regulates the nuclear industry and the overriding requirement to demonstrate, through an adequate and appropriate safety case, that all hazards associated with operations are effectively managed and controlled. It examines the fundamental building blocks of a 'modern standards safety case' and the supporting processes and methodologies used in developing them.
N09 Policy, Regulation & Licensing syllabus here
The nuclear industry is one of the most heavily regulated industries in the UK. Regulatory issues necessarily impact upon the development of national policy in environmental and energy areas. This module covers the Nuclear Installations Act, licensing issues, Radioactive Substances Act - Discharge Authorisations, transport of radioactive material and addresses UK radioactive waste policy and national strategies within this framework. Regulators outside the UK are covered briefly.
N10 Processing, Storage & Disposal of Nuclear Wastes syllabus here
Reviews the basic approaches to nuclear waste management and introduces the fundamental principles of nuclear waste processing, storage and disposal. The main types of waste and schemes for their processing and packaging are discussed highlighting cementation and vitrification immobilisation technologies.
N14 Risk Management syllabus here
Introduces the concepts of risk management by reference to nuclear and other systems. Describes the mathematical analysis of risk based on probability modelling, which is extended to the case of quality modelling. A case study based on the Chernobyl accident is presented. Comparisons of risk management across industries are presented, including engineering contracting, rail transport, chemical process and pharmaceuticals as well as nuclear.
N21 Geological Disposal of Radioactive Waste syllabus here
This module will examine historic and current UK developments in radioactive waste management and will introduce both geology and hydrogeology to the student. Shallow and deep methods of geological disposal and the multi-barrier concept will be investigated using UK and overseas case studies. Techniques of investigating the suitability of sites for geological disposal will be covered together with the correct recording methodology for soil and rock description. For both types of geological disposal the near and far-field processes will be considered; as will geohazards in relation to geological time.
This module runs every 2 years. The next year it will run is 2010/11.
N22 The Governance of Decommissioning and Radioactive Waste syllabus here
One of the principal areas of concern in the development of nuclear power is the issue of lack of public understanding of science in general, and radioactivity in particular. In terms of any proposals for the development of nuclear power, the concerns of both the lay-person, and many informed people, in terms of the problems of the disposal of radioactive wastes, are paramount. In this module, the social, economic and political aspects of international nuclear decommissioning programmes are examined, in the context of plant decommissioning and radioactive waste disposal.
This module runs every 2 years. The next year it will run is 2011/12.
N23 Environmental Impact Assessment syllabus here
Introduces the main scientific principles and legislative drivers underlying the carrying out of radiological impact assessments. It covers all of the environmental phases currently in receipt of radionuclide discharges from nuclear site operations: atmospheric, terrestrial and aquatic. The module establishes the tools and methods to assess radiological impact, demonstrating state-of-the-art assessment modelling practices.
This module runs every 2 years. The next year it will run is 2010/11.
N24 Environmental Decision Making Applied to Decommissioning syllabus here
This module introduces the important role that public perception, attitudes, values and beliefs play in environmental decision making. In it, we show how industry and regulators can use this information in environmental decision making approaches and techniques. Focusing upon nuclear facility siting and unsiting, this module is grounded in applied policy science and explores how scientific solutions may not meet public and policy expectations or requirements.
This module runs every 2 years. The next year it will run is 2010/11.
Nuclear Technology
N05* Water Reactor Performance & Safety syllabus here
Water reactors are likely to be the main source of nuclear power for the foreseeable future. This module considers such reactors with particular reference to their performance and safety and commences with an understanding of water reactor hydraulics, heat transfer and fuel design. The main codes for predicting reactor safety (RELAP, TRAC, CATHARE, TRACE) will also be described as will CFD methods, the latter in the specific context of the generic commercial code, STARCD. Hands-on experience with codes is given. Finally, accidents beyond the design basis ("severe" accidents) are discussed.
* It is strongly suggested the N12 module (Reactor Thermal Hydraulics) be taken before
attempting N05.
N06 Reactor Materials & Lifetime Behaviour syllabus here
After examining the structure of materials, corrosion and degradation, factors in the selection and usage of different materials for reactor components are considered. Pressure vessel and fracture mechanics, non-destructive testing, plant monitoring and lifetime issues including the various mechanisms encountered are reviewed. Also considered is the specification and fabrication of materials for high reliability in aggressive environments.
N09 Policy, Regulation & Licensing syllabus here
The nuclear industry is one of the most heavily regulated industries in the UK. Regulatory issues necessarily impact upon the development of national policy in environmental and energy areas. This module covers the Nuclear Installations Act, licensing issues, Radioactive Substances Act - Discharge Authorisations, transport of radioactive material and addresses UK radioactive waste policy and national strategies within this framework. Regulators outside the UK are covered briefly.
N11 Radiation Shielding syllabus here
This module gives an introduction to radiation shielding merging practical problems with industry standard transport codes in order to give a good understanding of the requirements for radiation shielding.
N12 Reactor Thermal Hydraulics syllabus here
Describes the thermal hydraulic processes involved in the transfer of power from the core to secondary systems of nuclear power plants. Fundamental calculations associated with these processes will explained, examples set and results discussed.
N14 Risk Management syllabus here
Introduces the concepts of risk management by reference to nuclear and other systems. Describes the mathematical analysis of risk based on probability modelling, which is extended to the case of quality modelling. A case study based on the Chernobyl accident is presented. Comparisons of risk management across industries are presented, including engineering contracting, rail transport, chemical process and pharmaceuticals as well as nuclear.
N30 Design of Safety-Critical Systems syllabus here
Provides students with knowledge of the design issues relevant to safety-critical systems. Topics included cover safety standards relevant to the design of engineering systems, and the IEC 61508 Safety Lifecycle and the implementation of the various steps of the process. Hazard identification and analysis techniques such as FMEA, HAZOP, and fault trees are also addressed.
This module runs every 2 years. The next year it will run is 2009/10.
N32 Experimental Reactor Physics syllabus here
The module is based at the TRIGA low power research reactor facility of the Vienna University of Technology/Atomic Institute in Vienna. Reactor neutronics and dynamics are demonstrated through experimental measurements of neutron fluxes, control rod calibrations, reactivity measurements and reactor power calibrations. An understanding and appreciation of the instrumentation and controls of a reactor are gained during the experiments and through hands-on operating experience at the reactor control panel. Safety aspects of reactor operation and fuel handling and inspection are emphasised.