Concentrations: Chemical Engineering and Nuclear Engineering.
The Department of Chemical and Nuclear Engineering offers programs in chemical engineering and nuclear engineering leading to the Master of Science and the Doctor of Philosophy degrees. A grade point average of 3.0 in the last two years of undergraduate study, and/or in previous engineering graduate study, is normally required for admission. In addition, the GRE is required of all Chemical and Nuclear Engineering applicants.
The master of science degree is offered under both Plan I and Plan II. Under Plan I (thesis), 30 hours are required with 24 hours of course work and 6 hours of thesis. Of the 24 hours of course work, 9 hours are required at the 500 level with a maximum of 3 credit hours in problems courses. Plan II requires 33 hours of course work including a maximum of 6 hours of credit for problems courses and a minimum of 12 hours in 500 level courses.
A program that allows the Plan II to be completed in one calendar year is also offered. This program should be requested at the time of application and should begin in the summer or fall semester. The program will typically include a course load of 14 hours in the fall semester (two core courses, two electives and graduate seminar), 13 hours in the spring semester (two core courses, two electives and graduate seminar) and 6 hours in the summer semester (elective courses and/or individual problems).
All candidates for the M.S. degree must satisfactorily pass a final examination which emphasizes the fundamental principles and applications in either chemical or nuclear engineering. This examination is normally the thesis defense for Plan I students, and is normally based on a short term project for Plan II students, including those in the one year program. The examination is conducted by a committee of at least three faculty members. This committee is formed in consultation with the student’s research advisor or project advisor and is approved by the Department Chairperson.
Specific requirements pertaining to the chemical engineering and nuclear engineering programs are described below.
The Department of Chemical and Nuclear Engineering offers an M.S. Nuclear Engineering degree and a Ph.D. in Engineering with a concentration in Nuclear Engineering. The master’s degree is a “traditional” nuclear engineering program. Graduates in engineering or science from any recognized college or university may apply for admission to graduate study in nuclear engineering. Students planning to do graduate work in nuclear engineering should concentrate on physics, mathematics and nuclear engineering in their undergraduate course work in addition to acquiring competence in one of the branches of engineering or science. Undergraduate course work in the following is recommended: atomic and nuclear physics, advanced applied mathematics, computer programming, thermodynamics and heat transfer, fluid mechanics, principles of circuits, materials science, nuclear measurements, reactor physics and instrumentation. Students in this program are required to take CHNE 466–Nuclear Environmental Safety Analysis, CHNE 525–Methods of Analysis in Chemical and Nuclear Engineering and CHNE 501–Chemical and Nuclear Engineering Seminar. A maximum of 3 credit hours of Graduate Seminar can be applied toward the 30 hours degree requirement. Those students who do not have a background in nuclear reactor theory will also be required to take CHNE 410–Nuclear Reactor Theory. Additional course work is chosen with the approval of the Graduate Advisor according to student interest in fusion, fission, waste management or accelerator engineering areas. Students with undergraduate degree fields other than nuclear engineering may be required to take certain undergraduate background courses determined by the graduate advisor.
The nuclear engineering research graduate programs at the University of New Mexico include nuclear criticality safety, radiation transport, reactor theory, single and two-phase flow in microgravity, space nuclear power, thermal-hydraulics, fusion energy, accelerator physics and engineering, occupational and environmental radiation protection, plasma physics, nuclear activation diagnostics, high energy density physics, reactor and shielding design, nuclear fuel irradiation behavior, theoretical and numerical methods in neutral and stochastic transport theory, charged particle transport, model-reference adaptive control of nuclear power plants, heat pipes for space application, computational methods for heat transfer and fluid flows, single phase laminar and combined flows, two-phase flows and probabilistic risk assessment.
In addition to the traditional master’s program, the department also offers a masters-level concentration in Radiation Protection Engineering (RPE). This concentration is intended to train people to work in the area of occupational and environmental health physics and leads to a terminal, professional master’s degree. The admissions requirements for this concentration differ from those of the traditional program. The prerequisites are: a Bachelor’s degree in engineering from an ABET-accredited program OR a Bachelor’s degree including a minimum of one year of general college chemistry with laboratory, one year of general college physics with laboratory, one year of differential and integral calculus, a semester of differential equations, and 32 total semester hours of mathematics (calculus level or above) and science.
Students concentrating in the RPE program are required to take six core courses in health physics. These are CHNE 466*–Nuclear Environmental Safety Analysis, CHNE 524-Interaction of Radiation with Matter, CHNE 528–External Radiation Dosimetry, MPHY/CHNE 522–Radiation Biology for Engineers and Scientists, CHNE 529–Internal Radiation Dosimetry and CHNE 523L–Environmental Radiation Measurements Laboratory.
Another 12 credit hours of electives are required to complete the RPE course work. These electives are chosen from areas of interest such as waste management, nuclear power or calculational methods. In addition to the 30 credit hours of courses, students must take 6 credit hours of CHNE 591 Practicum. The practicum involves a semester long project in the area of health physics usually under the supervision of a certified health physicist. (The RPE concentration is a Plan II program and does not have a thesis option.) After completing the course work and practicum, the student is awarded a master’s degree in Nuclear Engineering with a radiation protection engineering (health physics) option. Graduates of the RPE concentration do not qualify for automatic admission to the Ph.D. program. They must fulfill all prerequisite requirements for the Ph.D. program before they will be admitted.
In addition to the traditional master’s program and the concentration in Radiation Protection Engineering, the department also offers a Commission on Accreditation of Medical Physics Education Program (CAMPEP) accredited masters-level concentration in Medical Physics. This concentration is intended to train people to work in the areas of medical imaging, nuclear medicine, and radiation therapy. The prerequisites, in addition to a technical bachelor’s degree, are: One year of general college physics with laboratory (purely descriptive courses are insufficient; calculus based courses are desired), one year of general college chemistry with laboratory, one year of differential and integral calculus, a semester of differential equations, 32 total semester hours of mathematics (calculus level or above) and science, and a survey course in general biology, human biology or mammalian physiology.
There are 40 graduate credit hours required for the Masters in Nuclear Engineering in the Medical Physics concentration. There are no electives in this curriculum. (The Medical Physics concentration is a Plan II program and does not have a thesis option).
The department’s nuclear engineering Ph.D. program has the research topics as described above.
The nuclear engineering laboratories are equipped with an AGN-201M nuclear training reactor; a hot cell facility with remote manipulators; a graphite pile; several solid state detectors for alpha, beta and gamma radiation; computer based data acquisition, analysis and control systems; and supporting radiation measurements systems. In addition to the well-equipped laboratories on campus, the advanced reactors and radiation equipment of Sandia National Laboratories, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Lovelace Respiratory Research Institute, and the Air Force Research Laboratory are utilized for instruction and research. The laboratories provide not only experimental facilities but access to high performance super computers for carrying on advanced computational physics.
The department maintains a computer pod for student use, equipped with PCs with a wide selection of software.
Additional information on programs and facilities may be obtained by contacting either the graduate advisor or the department chairperson.
Equivalent graduate-level courses taken at another institution may be used to satisfy this requirement, but this must be decided on a case-by-case basis by the Graduate Advisor or Graduate Committee in the CHNE department.
Courses
CHNE 101. Introduction to Chemical Engineering and Nuclear Engineering. (1)
An introduction to the professions of chemical engineering and nuclear engineering; current research in these fields; career choices; guidance and advice on curricular matters and effective study techniques for chemical and nuclear engineering students.
CHNE 213. Laboratory Electronics for Chemical and Nuclear Engineers. (3)
Basic DC and AC circuits including capacitors and inductors and their applications in radiation measurement equipment and chemical process parameter measurements. Oscilloscopes, Op Amps, and Sensors and their use in the CHNE laboratories.
{Spring}
CHNE 230. Principles of Radiation Protection. (3)
Nuclear reactions, decay, interactions of physical radiation with matter, methods of radiation detection and biological effects of radiation, external and internal dosimetry. Open-ended exercises and design project.
Prerequisite: CHEM 121 and 123L, MATH 162.
{Fall}
CHNE 231. Principles of Nuclear Engineering. (3)
Introduction to nuclear engineering and nuclear processes; neutron interactions with matter, cross sections, fission, neutron diffusion, criticality, kinetics, chain reactions, reactor principles, fusion and the nuclear fuel cycle. Includes open-ended exercises. {Spring}
Prerequisite: CHEM 121 and 123L, MATH 162. Corequisite: 314.
CHNE 251. Chemical Process Calculations I. (3)
Extensive problem work in material and energy balances for steady state processes. Students will utilize physical properties, chemistry and computer skills to obtain solutions. Detailed examination of case studies demonstrating the fundamentals of process analysis.
Prerequisite: CHEM 122 and 124L
{Fall}
CHNE 253. Chemical Process Calculations II. (3)
Continuation of 251. Unsteady-state material and energy balances; computer solutions to chemical engineering problems using spreadsheets and commercial process plant simulation programs; staged operations for chemical separations. {Spring}
Prerequisite: 251
CHNE 302. Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics. (4)
Principles of chemical thermodynamics and their applications to energy conversion, phase and reaction equilibrium and the calculation of thermodynamic properties.
Prerequisite: 251
{Spring}
CHNE 310. Neutron Diffusion Theory. (3)
Radioactive decay chains, fission product poison burnup, point reactor kinetics with and without delayed neutrons. Neutron diffusion equation, criticality condition and critical size calculations.
Prerequisite: 231 and MATH 316.
{Spring}
CHNE 311. Introduction to Transport Phenomena. (4)
The mechanisms and the related mathematical analysis of momentum and heat transport in both the molecular and turbulent regimes. Similarities and differences between transport types and the prediction of transport properties.
Prerequisite: (231 or 253) Corequisite: 317
{Fall}
CHNE 312. Unit Operations. (3)
A study of the unit operations involved with momentum and heat transfer. Focus will be on the basics of equipment design and how to synthesize a process from the basic units. Includes extensive use of computer techniques and design exercises.
Prerequisite: 311
{Spring}
CHNE 313L. Introduction to Laboratory Techniques for Nuclear Engineering. (3)
Techniques for error analysis, experiments in fluid flow, heat transfer, neutron detectors and neutron activation plus neutron diffusion theory and Fermi age. Design and development of experiments, emphasis on written presentations.
Prerequisite: ENGL 219 Corequisite: 312
{Spring}
CHNE 314. Thermodynamics and Nuclear Systems. (3)
First and second law of thermodynamics and application to electrical generation, particularly nuclear energy conversion systems. Types of nuclear power plants, primary, secondary systems, feedwater, regeneration, and superheating.
Corequisite: 231
{Spring}
CHNE 317. Chemical and Nuclear Engineering Analysis. (3)
Application of analytical and numerical techniques to the solution of frequently encountered engineering problems. Included are data analysis and interpretation; problem formulation; solution of ODEs and PDEs encountered in transport phenomena and kinetics; and elementary control theory.
Prerequisite: MATH 316 Corequisite: 311
{Fall}
CHNE 318L. Chemical Engineering Laboratory I. (1)
Laboratory experiments in chemical thermodynamics. The lab will include a module on computer aided data acquisition. Students will apply concepts of error analysis and use computer software for interpretation of experimental data.
Prerequisite: 253 and 302.
{Fall}
CHNE 319L. Chemical Engineering Laboratory II. (1)
Laboratory experiments in fluids and heat transfer. Students will apply concepts of error analysis and use computational fluid dynamics software for interpretation of experimental data.
Prerequisite: 311
{Spring}
CHNE 321. Mass Transfer. (3)
Continuation of 311. The mechanisms and the related mathematical analysis of mass transport in both molecular and turbulent regimes. Similarities and differences among mass, momentum and heat transport. Predication of mass transport properties. Design of separation systems based on mass transfer.
Prerequisite: 253 and 311.
{Spring}
CHNE **323L. Radiation Detection and Measurement. (3)
Radiation interaction with matter and detection techniques for nuclear radiations. Experiments will be performed using gas, scintillation and semiconductor counters and include the design of experiments and identification of unknown radionuclides.
Prerequisite: 230
{Fall}
CHNE *330. Nuclear Engineering Science. (2)
Nuclear reactions, cross sections and reaction rates, quantum effects, atomic structure, nuclear properties, nuclear stability and decay modes.{Spring}
Prerequisite: 230 and 231 and MATH 316 and PHYC 262
CHNE 361. Biomolecular Engineering. (3)
This course introduces concepts and principles of biomolecular engineering as they reflect the chemical engineering discipline. It builds on issues in biological systems to introduce contemporary technology avenues in biochemical, biomaterials, metabolic and tissue engineering.
CHNE 371. Introduction to Materials Engineering. (3)
This course develops an understanding of materials from a molecular viewpoint. The structure, properties, and processing of metals, ceramics, polymers, and nanostructured materials are treated in an integrated fashion. Applications include nanotechnology, and biology.
{Spring}
CHNE 372. Nuclear Materials Engineering. (2)
Understanding of material behavior from a molecular viewpoint. The effects of structure, properties, and processing of materials used in nuclear systems on their behavior in radiation environments.
{Spring}
CHNE 403 / 503. Heterogeneous Catalysis Seminar. (2 to a maximum of 20 Δ)
Discussion of current research in heterogeneous catalysis and materials characterization. Students learn to read the literature critically and to present reviews of ongoing research.
CHNE 404 / 504. Nanomaterials Seminar. (2 to a maximum of 20 Δ)
Investigate, evaluate, and discuss current frontier topics in sol-gel synthesis of nanostructured materials through a series of presentations.
CHNE 405 / 505. High Performance Engines. (3)
(Also offered as ME 405)
Students will capitalize on 1) applications of engineering fundamentals to engine operation and design; 2) implementation of computing and information technology for modeling, simulation, visualization, and design; and 3) cases studies of “famous” racing engines.
Prerequisite: 302 or ME 301
CHNE 406 / 506. Bioengineering Seminar. (2 to a maximum of 20 Δ)
Emerging bioengineering concepts and applications with emphasis on materials and device technologies.
CHNE 407 / 507. Surface and Material Engineering. (2 to a maximum of 20 Δ)
Modern concepts of surface science and materials engineering are discussed within the context of surface functionalization, surface analysis, heteroepitaxy, nanocrystal synthesis, and fluidic separation. 2 hours seminar.
{Fall, Spring}
CHNE 408 / 508. Nuclear Engineering Seminar. (2 to a maximum of 20 Δ)
Discussion of topics such as space nuclear power and propulsion, reactor design thermal-hydraulics, nuclear fuel cycles and materials, energy conversion, computation and simulation, space radiation effects and shielding, criticality safety, and instrumentation and control.
{Fall, Spring, offered on demand}
CHNE *410. Nuclear Reactor Theory I. (3)
Neutron transport equation, differential scattering cross section, diffusion approximation, one group diffusion theory including green’s function and eigenfunction expansion, Breit-Wigner formula, slowing down theory, reactor kinetics, multigroup methods, topics selected from numerical methods for reactor analysis.
Prerequisite: 314 and MATH 316
{Fall}
CHNE *413L. Nuclear Engineering Laboratory. (3)
Laboratory investigations of the theory and practice of nuclear chain-reacting systems including open-ended experiments and experimental design, covering reactor kinetics, importance functions and criticality.
One lecture, 6 hours lab.
Prerequisite: 313L and 410
{Spring}
CHNE 418L. Chemical Engineering Laboratory III. (1)
Laboratory experiments in mass transfer and unit operations. Students will plan experiments to study the operation of process equipment such as heat exchanger, distillation columns, etc. Fundamental experiments on mass transfer are also included.
Prerequisite: 312 and 321
{Fall}
CHNE 419L. Chemical Engineering Laboratory IV. (2)
Laboratory experiments in kinetics and process control. Students will also do an in-depth project in their chosen chemical engineering concentration.
Prerequisite: 461 Pre- or corequisite: 454
{Spring}
CHNE 432. Introduction to Medical Physics. (3)
(Also offered as MPHY 432)
Basic atomic physics, radiation interactions, image formation, scatter and resolution, x-ray equipment and digital properties, digital imaging, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, ultrasound imaging, radiation oncology principles, brachytherapy, nuclear medicine physics, radiation protection, regulations, and radiation biology.
Restriction: Permission of instructor
CHNE 436 / 536. Biomedical Technology. (3)
Fundamental concepts of the transport processes in the human body. Applications of the basic transport principles to the biomedical systems, e.g., artificial organs and the measurement of the rheological properties of blood. Use of biomaterials.
CHNE 437 / 537. Biochemical Engineering Principles. (3)
An introduction to the engineering principles involved in the production of biological molecules. Integration of molecular biological principles with engineering fundamentals. Includes: bioprocess design, operation, analysis and optimization.
{Spring upon demand}
CHMS 438 / 538. Biosensors Fundamentals and Applications. (3)
Lopez, Whitten, Atanassov
(Also offered as NSMS 538)
Introduction to biosensors as analytical devices and biosensor technology as an emerging field of industrial development. Survey of biochemical fundamentals and immobilization of the biological components, methods for biosensors fabrication, microfluidic devices and sensor arrays.
{Spring upon demand.}
CHNE 439 / 539. Radioactive Waste Management. (3)
(Also offered as CE 539)
Introduction to the nuclear fuel cycle emphasizing sources, characteristics and management of radioactive wastes. Types of radiation, radioactive decay calculations, shielding requirements. Radwaste management technologies and disposal options.
{Fall}
CHNE 449 / 549. Seminar in Hazardous Waste Management. (1, no limit Δ)
Invited lectures on a variety of topics in hazardous waste, environmental engineering and science and related topics. Students prepare short written assignments. May be counted twice toward a degree.
CHNE 451 / 452. Senior Seminar. (1, 1)
Senior year. Reports on selected topics and surveys; presentation and discussion of papers from current technical journals, and topics of interest to chemical and nuclear engineers.
{Fall, Spring}
CHNE 454. Process Dynamics and Control. (3)
Application of special mathematical techniques to the analysis of chemical processes and the elements of process control. Computer experience suggested.
Prerequisite: 317
{Spring}
CHNE **461. Chemical Reactor Engineering. (3)
Elementary principles of chemical reactor design and operation utilizing the kinetics of homogeneous and heterogeneous-catalytic reactions.
Prerequisite: 311 and 317
{Fall}
CHNE 462. Monte Carlo Techniques for Nuclear Systems. (3)
Monte Carlo methods for nuclear criticality and reactor analysis and radiation shielding calculation using production Monte Carlo codes, understand basics of probability and statistics and of particle transport in the context of Monte Carlo methods.
Corequisite: 410
{Fall}
CHNE 464 / 564. Thermal-Hydraulics of Nuclear Systems. (3)
Nuclear system heat transfer and fluid flow; convection in single and two phase flow; liquid metal heat transfer, pres sure loss calculations; fuel element design and heat transfer; thermal-hydraulics design of nuclear systems.
Prerequisite: 311 and 313L and 317
{Fall}
CHNE *466. Nuclear Environmental Safety Analysis. (3)
Radiation environment, transport, shielding, dose calculations, safety, monitoring, guidelines and regulations; radioactive waste handling and disposal.
Prerequisite: MATH 316
{Fall}
CHNE 468 / 568 . Introduction to Space Nuclear Power. (3)
Introduction to design and mass optimization of Space Power Systems, passive and active energy conversion systems and design of RTG’s, radiation shield, heat pipe theory, design and applications, advanced radiators, TE-EM pumps and orbital lifetime calculations and safety.
Prerequisite: 231 and 311
{Spring}
CHNE 470. Nuclear Fuel Cycle and Materials. (3)
Materials for use in nuclear reactors, metallurgy and irradiation behavior, fundamentals of the nuclear fuel cycle including the uranium, thorium, and advanced fuel cycles.
{Spring}
CHNE *475. Polymer Science and Engineering. (3)
Curro
(Also offered as NSMS 575)
Introduces wide range of contemporary polymer science topics, emphasizing physical chemistry, polymer physics and engineering properties of polymer systems. Exposure to unique behavior of polymers in engineering applications and preparation for further studies in polymers.
CHNE *476. Nuclear Chemical Engineering. (3)
Fuel cycles in nuclear reactors; production of reactor fuels; processing of spent fuels by precipitation, solvent extraction, etc.; and separation of isotopes.
{Offered upon demand}
CHNE 477 / 577. Electrochemical Engineering. (3)
Introduction of the principles of electrochemistry and their applications in materials characterization, corrosion, electro-plating and etching. The course builds on electrochemical kinetics and discusses the design of sensors, batteries and fuel cells.
Prerequisite: 302
{Spring upon demand}
CHNE *485. Fusion Technology. (3)
The technology of fusion reactor systems including basic magnetic and inertial confinement physics; system designs; material considerations; shielding; blanket designs; fuel cycle; plant operations; magnets; and ICF drivers.
Prerequisite: MATH 316
{Spring}
CHNE 486 / 586. Statistical Design of Experiments for Semiconductor Manufacturing. (3)
Essential statistical tools for the collection, analysis, and interpretation of data, as applied to the design and control of processes for semiconductor manufacturing. Basic statistical concepts; simple comparative experiments; analysis of variance; randomization, replication and blocking; full-factorial, fractional factorial, response-surface, nested and split-lot designs, utilization of RS/1 software.
CHNE 491 – 492. Undergraduate Problems. (1-3 to a maximum of 6 Δ)
Advanced studies in various areas of chemical and nuclear engineering.
{Summer, Fall, Spring}
CHNE 493L. Chemical Engineering Design. (3)
Principles and practices of chemical engineering design, including process flow sheets, equipment design and specification, process modeling and simulation, economic analysis, and hazard analysis. In-depth design of at least one commercial-scale chemical process.
Prerequisite: 253 and 302 and 312 and 321
{Fall}
CHNE 494L. Advanced Chemical Engineering Design. (3)
Continued practice in creative chemical engineering design, including safety, health and environmental issues. Detailed project on a major open-ended process design or research problem.
Prerequisite: 493L
{Spring}
CHNE 495 – 496. Chemical and Nuclear Engineering Honors Problems I and II. (1-6, 1-6 to a maximum of 6 Δ)
Senior thesis for students seeking departmental honors.
{Summer, Fall, Spring}
CHNE *497L. Introduction to Nuclear Engineering Design. (3)
Problem solving techniques, nuclear systems, design, interactions of parameters and the importance of trade-offs and optimization in design. Neutronics, computer models and impact of cross sections and materials on fissile systems.
Two lectures, 2 hours lab.
Prerequisite: 317 or 330 or 410
{Fall}
CHMS 498L. Nuclear Engineering Design. (4)
Students will work in teams on a capstone design project requiring the application of nuclear engineering principles and the integration of material from other disciplines, with emphasis on creativity, decision-making and interactive design.
Three lectures, 3 hours lab.
Prerequisite: 464 and 497L.
{Spring}
CHNE 499. Selected Topics. (1-3, no limit Δ)
A course which permits various faculty members to present detailed examinations of developing sciences and technologies in a classroom setting.
{Offered upon demand}
CHNE 501. Chemical and Nuclear Engineering Seminar. (1, no limit Δ)
Colloquia, special lectures and individual study in areas of current research. A maximum of 3 credits can be applied toward degree.
{Fall, Spring}
CHNE 502. Chemical and Nuclear Engineering Research Methods Seminar. (1)
Students will work on developing research proposals for their masters or doctoral degree. The course will involve oral presentations of proposals and journal article critiques.
{Fall}
CHNE 503 - 403. Heterogeneous Catalysis Seminar. (2 to a maximum of 20 Δ)
Discussion of current research in heterogeneous catalysis and materials characterization. Students learn to read the literature critically and to present reviews of ongoing research.
CHNE 504 / 404. Nanomaterials Seminar. (2 to a maximum of 20 Δ)
Investigate, evaluate, and discuss current frontier topics in sol-gel synthesis of nanostructured materials through a series of presentations.
CHNE 505 / 405. High Performance Engines. (3)
(Also offered as ME 505)
Students will capitalize on 1) applications of engineering fundamentals to engine operation and design; 2) implementation of computing and information technology for modeling, simulation, visualization, and design; and 3) cases studies of “famous” racing engines.
Prerequisite: Engineering Thermodynamics equivalent to CHNE 301/ME 301
CHNE 506 / 406. Bioengineering Seminar. (2 to a maximum of 20 Δ)
Emerging bioengineering concepts and applications with emphasis on materials and device technologies.
CHNE 507 / 407. Surface and Material Engineering. (2 to a maximum of 20 Δ)
Modern concepts of surface science and materials engineering are discussed within the context of surface functionalization, surface analysis, heteroepitaxy, nanocrystal synthesis, and fluidic separation.
2 hours seminar.
{Fall, Spring}
CHNE 508 / 408. Nuclear Engineering Seminar. (2 to a maximum of 20 Δ)
Discussion of topics such as space nuclear power and propulsion, reactor design thermal-hydraulics, nuclear fuel cycles and materials, energy conversion, computation and simulation, space radiation effects and shielding, criticality safety, and instrumentation and control.
{Fall, Spring, offered upon demand}
CHNE 511. Nuclear Reactor Theory II. (3)
The theory of nuclear chain-reacting systems with emphasis on computer methods used in current applications. Multigroup diffusion theory, transport theory and Monte Carlo methods and applications to nuclear system design.
Prerequisite: 410 and 525
{Spring}
CHNE 512. Characterization Methods for Nanostructures. (3)
(Also offered as NSMS 512)
Nanostructure characterization methods. Examine principles underlying techniques and limitations, and how to interpret data from each method: electron beam, scanning probe, x-ray, neutron scattering, optical and near field optical. Lab demonstrations and projects provide experience.
CHNE 513L. Nuclear Engineering Laboratory II. (1 to a maximum of 4 Δ)
Laboratory investigations of the theory and practice of nuclear chain-reacting systems. Experiments on the UNM AGN-201M reactor and the ACRR at SNL. Course credit based on the extent of related course work in student’s undergraduate program.
One lecture, 6 hours lab.
{Spring upon demand}
CHNE 515. Special Topics. (1-3, no limit Δ)
{Offered upon demand}
NONE 516. Medical Imaging I-X-ray Physics. (3)
(Also offered as MPHY 516)
Course provides review of x-ray interactions, x-ray production, film-screen and film processing, mammography, fluoroscopy, image quality, digital radiography, physics of computed tomography, PACS and digital systems, and diagnostic radiation shielding.
Corequisite: 517L
{Fall}
Restriction: permission of instructor
CHNE 517L. Medical Imaging Lab I-X-ray Physics. (1)
(Also offered as MPHY 517L)
Perform QC on a diagnostic x-ray system, a fluoroscopy system, CR system, DR system, CT scanner, mammography system. Evaluate radiation shielding in a diagnostic x-ray room. Perform a digital monitor evaluation and evaluate a film processor.
Corequisite: 516
Restriction: permission of instructor
CHNE 518. Synthesis of Nanostructures. (3)
(Also offered as ECE, NSMS 518)
Underlying physical and chemical principles (optics, organic and inorganic chemistry, colloid chemistry, surface and materials science) for nanostructure formation using ‘top-down’ lithography (patterned optical exposure of photosensitive materials) and ‘bottom-up’ self-assembly. Labs will synthesize samples.
Prerequisite: NSMS 510
{Spring}
CHNE 519. Medical Imaging II - MR, Ultrasound and Nuclear Medicine Physics. (3)
(Also offered as MPHY 518)
MR basic physics, MR imaging equipment, and ultrasound imaging physics. Nuclear medicine imaging physics including: radioactive decay, isotope production, detector systems, Na I gamma camera imaging systems, PET/SPECT cameras systems, regulations and patient dose calculations.
Corequisite: 519L
Restriction: permission of instructor.
CHNE 519L. Medical Imaging Laboratory II - MR, Ultrasound and Nuclear Imaging Physics. (1)
(Also offered as MPHY 519L)
Perform MRI ACR QC tests and Ultrasound ACR QA tests. Perform QC tests on dose calibrator, gamma camera, PET camera, SPECT camera. Perform a leak test on a sealed radioactive material source. Visit a PET cyclotron.
Corequisite: 519
Restriction: permission of instructor
CHNE 520. Radiation Interactions and Transport. (3)
Theoretical and numerical methods for neutral and charged particle interactions and transport in matter. Linear transport theory, spherical harmonics expansions, PN methods, Gauss quadra, discrete ordinates SN methods, discretization techniques, Fokker-Planck theory. Development of calculational methods including computer codes. Applications to nuclear systems.
Prerequisite: 317 and 410 and 525
{Spring, upon demand}
CHNE 521. Advanced Transport Phenomena I. (3)
Equations of change applied to momentum, energy and mass transfer. Analogies between these phenomena and their limitations. Transport dependent on two independent variables, unsteady state problems
{Spring}
CHNE 522L. Fundamentals of Nanofluidics. (3)
Petsev, Lopez, Han
(Also offered as NSMS 522L)
This course exposes students to comprehensive yet essential elements in understanding nanofluidics for the purpose of effective separation of biomolecules: dynamics of complex fluids, colloidal chemistry, biochemistry, biomimetic surface functionalization, electrosomosis/electrophoresis, electrodynamics, optics, and spectroscopy.
CHNE 523L. Environmental Measurements Laboratory. (1 to a maximum of 4 Δ)
In-depth consideration of radiation detection systems and nuclear measurement techniques. Experiments using semiconductor devices, MCA/MSCs, sampling techniques, dosimeters, tracer techniques and radiochemistry. Emphasis on selection of sampling techniques and instrumentation for measuring low-levels of radiation in air, soil and water. Course credit determined for each student based on the extent of related laboratory work in his or her undergraduate program.
Two lectures, 3 hours lab.
{Fall}
CHNE 524. Interaction of Radiation with Matter. (3)
Nuclear models and energy levels, cross sections, decay processes, range/energy relationships for alphas, betas, gammas, neutrons and fission products. Ionization, scattering and radiative energy exchange processes. Effect of radiation on typical materials used in the nuclear industry. Both theory and application will be presented.
Prerequisite: MATH 316.
{Fall}
CHNE 525. Methods of Analysis in Chemical and Nuclear Engineering. (3)
Mathematical methods used in chemical and nuclear engineering; partial differential equations of series solutions transport processes, integral transforms. Applications in heat transfer, fluid mechanics and neutron diffusion. Separation of variables eigen function expansion
{Fall}
CHNE 526. Advanced Analysis in Chemical and Nuclear Engineering. (3)
Extension of 525 to more advanced methods including Green’s functions, Sturm-Liouville theory, special functions, complex variables, integral transforms.
Prerequisite: 525
{Spring upon demand}
CHNE 527. Radiation Biology for Engineers and Scientists. (3)
(Also offered as MPHY 527)
Covering fundamentals of the biological effects of ionizing radiation on living systems, especially man; basic biological mechanisms which bring about somatic and genetic effects; and the effect of ionizing radiation on cell cultures.
Restriction: permission of instructor.
CHNE 528. External Radiation Dosimetry. (3)
Ionizing radiation, Kerma, Fluence, Dose, and Exposure, Attenuation and Buildup, Charged Particle Equilibrium, Bragg-Gray Cavity Theory and other Cavities, Fundamentals of Dosimetry, Ionizations Chambers, Integrating Dosimetry, and Pulse Mode Detectors, and Neutron Interactions and Dosimetry. Both theory and applications will be presented.
Pre- or corequisite: 524
{Spring}
CHNE 529. Internal Radiation Dosimetry. (3)
Internal contamination, radiation quantities, ICRP dose methodologies, lung models, bioassay, whole body counting, uranium and plutonium toxicology and metabolism, alpha dosimetry and ventilation control/air sampling.
Prerequisite: 524
{Fall}
CHNE 530. Surface and Interfacial Phenomena. (3)
Van Swol
(Also offered as NSMS 530)
Introduces various intermolecular interactions in solutions and in colloidal systems; colloidal systems; surfaces; interparticle interactions; polymer-coated surfaces; polymers in solution, viscosity in thin liquid films; surfactant self-assembly; and surfactants in surfaces.
CHNE 531. Nanoscale Quantum Structure Growth and Device Applications. (3)
(Also offered as NSMS 531)
Introduction to vapor-phase transport and surface phenomena that govern crystal growth, nanostructure patterning, and device performance.
{Fall upon demand}
CHNE 533. Vapor and Aerosol Phase Materials Processing. (3)
(Also offered as NSMS 533)
Materials synthesis and processing by physical vapor deposition, chemical vapor deposition, and aerosol routes are explored. Underlying physicochemical fundamentals are discussed, and examples from the recent literature are used to exemplify the methods.
{Offered upon demand}
CHNE 534. Plasma Physics I. (3)
(Also offered as ASTR, PHYC, ECE 534)
Plasma parameters, adiabatic invariants, orbit theory, plasma oscillations, hydromagnetic waves, plasma transport, stability, kinetic theory, non-linear effects, applications.
{Fall}
CHNE 536 / 436. Biomedical Technology. (3)
Fundamental concepts of the transport processes in the human body. Applications of the basic transport principles to the biomedical systems, e.g., artificial organs and the measurement of the rheological properties of blood. Use of biomaterials.
CHNE 537 / 437. Biochemical Engineering Principles. (3)
An introduction to the engineering principles involved in the production of biological molecules. Integration of molecular biological principles with engineering fundamentals. Includes: bioprocess design, operation, analysis and optimization.
{Spring upon demand}
CHNE 538 / 438. Biosensors Fundamentals and Applications. (3)
(Also offered as NSMS 538.) Introduction to biosensors as analytical devices and biosensor technology as an emerging field of industrial development. Survey of biochemical fundamentals and immobilization of the biological components, methods for biosensors fabrication, microfluidic devices and sensor arrays.
{Spring upon demand.}
CHNE 539 / 439. Radioactive Waste Management . (3)
(Also offered as CE 539)
Introduction to the nuclear fuel cycle emphasizing sources, characteristics and management of radioactive wastes. Types of radiation, radioactive decay calculations, shielding requirements. Radwaste management technologies and disposal options.
{Fall}
CHNE 540. Radiation Oncology Physics. (3)
(Also offered as MPHY 540)
The course will cover the operation of linear accelerators, measurement of absorbed dose and quality of x-ray beams, dose distribution and scatter analysis, and clinical dose calculations for electron and photon beams. Techniques such as IMRT, total body irradiation, and SRS will be discussed. Brachytherapy treatment planning including HDR, LDR and intravascular treatments will be covered.
Corequisite: 541L
Restriction: permission of instructor
CHNE 541L. Radiation Oncology Physics Laboratory. (3)
(Also offered as MPHY 541L)
Complete a number of clinical treatment plans, participate in the annual calibration of a linear accelerator, acquire basic photon and electron dose data for a computerized treatment planning system, perform several brachytherapy treatment plans including HDR and LDR plans, and perform an IMRT QA validation.
Corequisite: 540
Restriction: permission of instructor
CHNE 542. Advanced Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics. (3)
Advanced thermodynamics with reference to its application in chemical engineering.
{Fall}
CHNE 546. Charged Particle Beams and High Power Microwaves [Charged Particle Beams.] . (3 to a maximum of 9 Δ)
(Also offered as ECE 558)
Overview of physics of particle beams and applications at high-current and high-energy. Topics include review of collective physics, beam emittance, space-charge forces, transport at high power levels, and application to high power microwave generation.
Prerequisite: ECE 557 or CHNE 545
CHNE 549 / 449. Seminar in Hazardous Waste Management. (1, no limit Δ)
Invited lectures on a variety of topics in hazardous waste, environmental engineering and science and related topics. Students prepare short written assignments. May be counted twice toward a degree.
CHNE 550. Social and Ethical Issues in Nanotechnology. (1-3, [3])
(Also offered as ECE, NSMS 550.) In this course, students will examine issues arising from this emerging technology, including those of privacy, health and safety, the environment, public perception and human enhancement.
CHNE 551 – 552. Problems. (1-3, 1-3 each semester Δ)
Advanced study, design or research either on an individual or small group basis with an instructor. Recent topics have included convective diffusion, reactor safety, inertial confinement fusion and nuclear waste management.
CHNE 553L. Experimental Techniques in Plasma Science. (3)
(Also offered as ECE 553L)
Theory and practice of plasma generation and diagnostics, coordinated lectures and experiments, emphasis on simple methods of plasma production and selection of appropriate diagnostic techniques, applications to plasma processing and fusion.
Prerequisite: ECE 534
CHNE 555. Gaseous Electronics. (3)
(Also offered as ECE 555)
The theory of gas discharges and its application to pulsed power technology. Boltzmann equation, distribution functions, breakdown mechanisms, transport coefficients, self-sustained discharges, collisions, gasses at E/N, electron density generation and decay processes.
{Fall}
CHNE 560. Nuclear Reactor Kinetics and Control. (3)
Theory of the kinetic behavior of a nuclear reactor system with emphasis on control and dynamic behavior.
Prerequisite: 410 and 525
{Offered upon demand}
CHNE 561. Kinetics of Chemical Processes. (3)
Rate equations for simple and complex chemical processes, both homogeneous and heterogeneous. Experimental methods and interpretation of kinetic data for use in chemical reactor design and analysis. Applications to complex industrial problems.
{Spring}
CHNE 563. Advanced Radiation Shielding. (3)
Introduction to Monte Carlo techniques, sampling, and statistics of radiation process, charged particle interactions, three dimensional radiation transport, design of shielding, shield materials, shield heating, and shield optimization. Comparisons will be made between the experimental performance and computer predicted performance of student designs.
Prerequisite: 525
{Fall, Spring upon demand}
CHNE 564 / 464. Thermal-Hydraulics of Nuclear Systems. (3)
Nuclear system heat transfer and fluid flow; convection in single and two phase flow; liquid metal heat transfer, pressure loss calculations; fuel element design and heat transfer; thermal-hydraulics design of nuclear systems.
{Fall}
CHNE 568 / 468. Introduction to Space Nuclear Power. (3)
Introduction to design and mass optimization of Space Power Systems, passive and active energy conversion systems, and design of RTG’s, radiation shield, heat pipe theory, design and applications, advanced radiators, TE-EM pumps and orbital lifetime calculations and safety.
Prerequisite: 231 and MATH 316
{Spring}
CHNE 575. Selected Topics in Material Science. (1-3, no limit Δ)
May be counted an unlimited number of times toward degree, with departmental approval, since content varies. Credit is determined based on the content of the course.
{Offered upon demand}
CHNE 576. Selected Topics in Aerosol Science. (3 to a maximum of 6 hours Δ)
Analysis of the motion of both charged and neutral aerosol particles; molecular and convective diffusion, particle size and classification, coagulation, precipitation and particle capture, current aerosol research and instrumentation.
{Offered upon demand}
CHNE 577 / 477. Electrochemical Engineering. (3)
Introduction of the principles of electrochemistry and their applications in materials characterization, corrosion, electro-plating and etching. The course builds on electrochemical kinetics and discusses the design of sensors, batteries and fuel cells.
Prerequisite: 302, 461
{Spring upon demand}
CHNE 580. Advanced Plasma Physics. (3)
(Also offered as PHYC, ECE 580)
Plasma kinetics equations, Vlasov theories of plasma waves and microinstabilities, Landau damping, nonlinear evolution of instabilities, turbulence, applications, transport in fluid plasmas: Fokker-Planck, Krook collision model. {Alternate Years}
Prerequisite: 534 or PHYC 534
CHNE 582. Inertial Confinement Fusion. (3)
Theory and technology of inertial confinement fusion, including target physics: laser and particle beam physics and technology; reactor engineering.
Pre- or corequisite: 534
{Offered upon demand}
CHNE 586 / 486. Statistical Design of Experiments for Semiconductor Manufacturing. (3)
Statistical tools for collection, analysis, and interpretation of data. Design and control of processes for semiconductor manufacturing. Analysis of variance; randomization, replication, blocking; full-factorial, response-surface, nested, split-lot, Taguchi designs; utilization of RS/1 software.
CHNE 591. Practicum. (6)
Also offered as MPHY 591. Professional practice experience in radiation protection and environmental measurements in non-traditional settings under the guidance of health physicists and radiation protection engineers. Internship arrangement with a local facility employing health physicists or related personnel such as a national laboratory, analytical facility, or hospital.
{Summer, Fall, Spring}
CHNE 599. Master’s Thesis. (1-6, no limit Δ)
See Graduate Programs section for total credit requirements.
Offered on a CR/NC basis only.
CHNE 610. Advanced Nuclear Reactor Theory. (3)
Advanced numerical methods in neutral and charged particle transport, including discontinuous finite element methods, structured and unstructured grids, adjoint techniques and Monte Carlo methods.
Prerequisite: 511
{Fall 2005 and alternate years}
CHNE 699. Dissertation. (3-12, no limit Δ)
See Graduate Programs section for total credit requirements.
Offered on a CR/NC basis only.
