Nuclear engineering is an exciting, rapidly-evolving field that requires engineers with an understanding of physical processes of nuclear energy and an ability to apply concepts in new and creative ways. Nuclear engineers are primarily concerned with the control, monitoring and use of energy released in nuclear processes. Some nuclear engineers work on the design and safety aspects of environmentally sound, passively safe, proliferation resistant nuclear fission reactors. Still others are looking to future energy solutions through development and implementation of nuclear fusion systems. Others are helping in the exploration and utilization of outer space by developing long term, reliable nuclear energy sources. With the renewed concern in environmental science, nuclear engineers are working on safe disposal concepts for radioactive waste and on methods for reduction of radiation releases from industrial facilities. They also work in developing a wide variety of applications for radioisotopes such as the treatment and diagnosis of diseases; food preservation, manufacturing development, processing and quality control; and biological and mechanical process tracers. For each of these fields there are numerous opportunities for nuclear engineers in basic research, applications, operations and training. Moreover, nuclear engineers with advanced computational skills are in strong demand in the national security, medical physics and radiation processing fields.
The mission of nuclear engineering education is to give the student an excellent understanding of nuclear processes and fundamentals and provide the physical and engineering principles that lead to applications of the basic processes. The goal of the program is to provide rigorous Nuclear Engineering education and training at the Bachelor of Science level. Our undergraduate program is built on an academically strong, research-oriented faculty and a sound graduate program in Nuclear Engineering. This strong foundation is enhanced by the nearby presence of three national laboratories dealing in Nuclear Engineering research (Los Alamos National Laboratory, Sandia National Laboratories and Air Force Research Laboratory).
Graduates of the undergraduate program in Nuclear Engineering successfully progress in their careers by:
The program emphasizes the broad knowledge and intellectual values of a liberal arts education and the fundamentals of engineering science at the lower levels and engineering design and computational tools at the upper levels. The course of study in nuclear engineering gives the student broad training in the fundamentals of mathematics, physics, chemistry and engineering, followed by professional specialty course work involving radiation interaction with matter, radiation transport, radiation detection and protection, nuclear reactor theory and safety, thermalhydraulics and nuclear systems design. Students also select technical electives that allow them to explore in-depth areas of interest in nuclear engineering. The graduate nuclear engineer finds a wide variety of career opportunities or is well prepared to pursue advanced graduate studies.
The goal is to produce highly motivated Nuclear Engineers who have strong verbal and written communication skills and excellent engineering training and knowledge. Graduates have an ability to design, conduct and analyze experiments and experimental data. They have an understanding of professional and ethical responsibility and of the background to understand societal impact and risks/benefits of engineering solutions. Our program provides an academic experience focusing on technically current material, with opportunities for interested undergraduate students to participate in nuclear engineering research projects.
The Department seeks to graduate students capable of making decisions, analyzing alternatives and creating integrated designs that are solutions to engineering problems with economic and political constraints. To help achieve this, design is integrated into courses, from the sophomore through senior year. The philosophy for design is to expose the student to a variety of design topics representative of the types of assignments they may expect in an industrial setting. The faculty feel they should be given exposure to modern computational and design tools and that they should have experience working in groups as well as individually.
Nuclear Engineering students begin their program design experience during their sophomore year with an introduction to open-ended problems and design concepts. This experience continues throughout the program with open-ended work a part of each semester. As students move through the program, the breadth and depth of the design experience increases from a few examples in the introductory courses to a wide variety of projects associated with hardware, systems, and experiments. In their junior year, students are exposed to experimental design and participate in a series of design problems applied to nuclear and radiological systems. Economic issues of design are identified early in the sequence and are integrated throughout our upper level courses. During the senior year, students are exposed to more detailed facets of the design process and design integration. This work culminates with a capstone nuclear design course taken during the second semester of the senior year. This course involves a complete system design, integrating technical, economic, safety and environmental issues at senior year depth. Here, teamwork and careful analysis of trade-offs are essential components for a successful design.
To earn a baccalaureate degree in nuclear engineering, a student must apply to and be admitted to the baccalaureate program in the Department of Nuclear Engineering. For students who have entered the University of New Mexico as freshmen, application to the program is typically made in the sophomore year. In most cases, such students will have been admitted to the School of Engineering as pre-majors (see “Admission to the School of Engineering” in the School of Engineering section of this Catalog). Transfer students may apply to the program as soon as they have met the program admission requirements discussed below. To ensure that they receive the proper advisement, the department strongly encourages all students who are interested in entering the baccalaureate program in nuclear engineering to apply to the department as soon as they are eligible.
The criteria for admission to the baccalaureate program in Nuclear Engineering are specified in detail in the advisement brochure, which may be obtained from the department. There are 18 credit hours of freshman year technical subjects required by the School of Engineering for admission, and a minimum GPA of 2.50 in those courses is required for admission to undergraduate study in Nuclear Engineering. A total of 26 credit hours applicable to a degree is required for admission with a GPA of at least 2.20. All applicants must have completed ENGL 110 or its equivalent before admission. All courses required in a Nuclear Engineering baccalaureate degree program must have grades of C- or better for satisfying both admission and graduation requirements.
Students admitted or readmitted to the Nuclear Engineering degree program may not apply a course toward the Bachelor of Science in Nuclear Engineering degree if the highest grade earned in the course is a D+ or less, regardless of where that grade was earned.
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, Lovelace Respiratory Research Institute, Los Alamos National Laboratory and the Air Force Research Laboratory are utilized for instruction and research.
Computers provide the basic computational tool for today’s modern engineer. The department maintains a computer pod equipped with PC computers. Additional computers are available in the many University of New Mexico computer pods maintained by the University of New Mexico’s Information Technology Services. Freshman engineering students are introduced to the many computer facilities and programming. Numerical analysis is an important part of each year’s instruction in engineering, and by the senior year students make extensive use of sophisticated neutron transport and thermal hydraulics production codes. In addition to these technical software packages, students also gain experience with mathematical packages such as spreadsheets and symbolic manipulation software.
Eligible freshmen and upperclassmen in the Department of Nuclear Engineering are urged to enroll in the Honors Program. Nuclear Engineering students may graduate with Baccalaureate Honors, Departmental Honors, or both. Information is available from departmental advisors.
Nuclear engineering students may participate in the cooperative education program. Excellent opportunities exist throughout the country for undergraduate students. For further information, refer to the Section III: Cooperative Education Program section of this Catalog, or contact the Director of Career Services.
Courses
NONE 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.
NONE 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}
NONE 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 CHEM 123L and MATH 162.
{Fall}
NONE 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.
Prerequisite: CHEM 121 and CHEM 123L and MATH 162.
Corequisite: 314.
{Spring}
NONE 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}
NONE 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.
Prerequisite: 251.
{Spring}
NONE 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}
NONE 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}
NONE 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}
NONE 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}
NONE 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}
NONE 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}
NONE 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}
NONE 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}
NONE 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}
NONE 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}
NONE **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}
NONE *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.
NONE 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.
NONE 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}
NONE 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}
NONE 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.
NONE 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.
NONE 406 / 506. Bioengineering Seminar. (2 to a maximum of 20 Δ)
Emerging bioengineering concepts and applications with emphasis on materials and device technologies.
NONE *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}
NONE *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}
NONE 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}
NONE 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}
NONE 432. Introduction to Medical Physics. (3)
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.
NONE 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}
NONE 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.
NONE 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}
NONE 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}
NONE **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}
NONE 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}
NONE 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, pressure loss calculations; fuel element design and heat transfer; thermal-hydraulics design of nuclear systems.
Prerequisite: 311 and 313L and 317.
{Fall}
NONE 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}
NONE 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}
NONE 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}
NONE *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}
NONE 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}
NONE 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}
NONE 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}
NONE 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}
NONE *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}
NONE 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}
NONE 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}
NONE 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}
NONE 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}
NONE 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.
NONE 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.
NONE 506 / 406. Bioengineering Seminar. (2 to a maximum of 20 Δ)
Emerging bioengineering concepts and applications with emphasis on materials and device technologies.
NONE 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}
NONE 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 upon demand}
NONE 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}
NONE 512. Characterization Methods for Nanostructures. (3)
(Also offered as CHEM, 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.
NONE 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}
NONE 515. Special Topics. (1-3, no limit Δ)
{Offered upon demand}
NONE 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}
NONE 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}
NONE 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}
NONE 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/MCSs, 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}
NONE 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: 330 and MATH 316.
{Fall}
NONE 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}
NONE 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.
NONE 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}
NONE 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}
NONE 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.
NONE 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}
NONE 542. Advanced Chemical Engineering Thermodynamics. (3)
Advanced thermodynamics with reference to its application in chemical engineering.
{Fall}
NONE 550. Social and Ethical Issues in Nanotechnology. (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.
NONE 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.
NONE 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}
NONE 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}
NONE 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}
NONE 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}
NONE 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}
NONE 576. Selected Topics in Aerosol Science. (3 to a maximum of 6 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}
NONE 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}
NONE 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}
NONE 586. 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.
NONE 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}
NONE 599. Master's Thesis. (1-6, no limit Δ)
See Graduate Programs section for total credit requirements.
Offered on a CR/NC basis only.
NONE 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}
NONE 699. Dissertation. (3-12, no limit Δ)
See Graduate Programs section for total credit requirements.
Offered on a CR/NC basis only.
