course-details-portlet

EP6999

Introduction to nuclear engineering and reactor technology

Assessments and mandatory activities may be changed until September 20th.

Credits 2.5
Level Further education, higher degree level
Course start Spring 2026
Duration 1 semester
Language of instruction English
Location Trondheim
Examination arrangement Home examination

About

About the course

Course content

The objective of this course is to provide an introduction to nuclear science and its engineering applications. The course will focus on engineering design principles of nuclear power plants using basic principles of reactor physics, fluid dynamics and heat transfer. This course will introduce a wide breadth of topics such as nuclear fission, neutron physics, reactor physics and engineering, the historical context of nuclear engineering, the impact of radiation on matter, fuel fabrication and the fuel cycle, radioactive wastes and storage methods, reactor accidents, and nuclear safety and licensing. Some of the main topics to be covered are: Brief review of nuclear physics, Nuclear reactions and radioactivity - Cross sections. Introductory elements of neutron physics. Reactor dynamics. Nuclear safety principles. Defence in Depth. Nuclear Reactor Technology. Reactor concepts. Non-power applications of nuclear engineering. Research reactors. Waste Management

Learning outcome

Knowledge:

  • To understand the basic principles of nuclear engineering such as fuel cycles, reactor types, etc.
  • To understand the fundamental concepts in nuclear engieering such as cross sections, neutron fluxes and currents, criticality, etc.)
  • To understand the concept of nuclear safety principles such as Defence in Depth, Radiation protection, Design Basis Accidents, Beyond Design Basis Accidents, etc.

Skills:

  • Differentiate aspects of different nuclear reactors concepts
  • Perform basic estimations of dimensions of main components

Competence:

  • Distinguish between different nuclear reactor technologies and be able to compare them to other energy generation forms
  • Gain a critical understanding of diferent aspects of nuclear technology

Learning methods and activities

14 times 45 minutes lectures.

Further on evaluation

Written 2 hour digital home exam. marks A-F, where A is best and F is fail.

Specific conditions

Admission to a programme of study is required:
Continuing Education, Faculty of Engineering Science and Technology (EVUIVC0)

Required previous knowledge

Bachelordegree in engineering.

Course materials

Notes given and lecture notes handed out.

Subject areas

  • Thermal Energy
  • Energy and Process Engineering
  • Applied Mechanics, Thermo- and Fluid Dynamics - Multi Phase Flow

Contact information

Course coordinator

Lecturers

Department with academic responsibility

Department of Energy and Process Engineering

Examination

Examination

Examination arrangement: Home examination
Grade: Letter grades

Ordinary examination - Spring 2026

Home examination
Weighting 100/100 Duration 2 hours Exam system Inspera Assessment