course-details-portlet

TEP4400

Nuclear Energy

New from the academic year 2025/2026

Credits 7.5
Level Second degree level
Course start Autumn 2025
Duration 1 semester
Language of instruction English
Location Trondheim
Examination arrangement School exam

About

About the course

Course content

The course will cover a broad understanding of nuclear energy systems from a technical perspective and presented within the context of the triple-bottom-line of sustainability (economic sustainability, environmental sustainability, and socio-political sustainability). Technical perspectives include: basic nuclear and neutron physics with a focus on energy-directed fission and fusion processes; basic nuclear thermal hydraulics; stability; efficiency; fuel types and preparation including enrichment; and fuel extraction, availability and reprocessing. The environmental aspects of the triple-bottom-line of sustainability include life cycle assessment concepts and nuclear energy’s role; spent nuclear fuel and nuclear waste impacts; and radiation safety and risk on humans and the biosphere. Socio-political aspects of the triple-bottom-line include: security issues such as operational, organizational, and governmental security; societal response to nuclear technology; legislative management of fuel and reactors and their link to weapons technology. The course is taught by a team of scientists and engineers from a variety of disciplines, backgrounds, and perspectives, providing a wholistic, multi-faceted look at nuclear energy.

Learning outcome

After completing the course, the student should be able to:

  • Understand, describe, apply, and calculate important technical aspects about nuclear energy systems of various types, including the physics and theory, neutron balances, reactors, the balance of plant, control, criticality, fuel cycles, and its applications in society
  • Discuss the current standpoint for fission and fusion technology with a holistic perspective
  • Compare and contrast nuclear energy systems according to all three aspects of the triple-bottom-line of sustainability, including risk, safety, health, hazards, ethics, and public policy in the context of the Western tradition in nuclear energy and its history.

At the end of the course, students should have a well-rounded background of the technological, environmental, and social aspects of nuclear energy to think critically and make informed decisions about it.

Learning methods and activities

Lectures and 6 exercises. Expected work effort in the course is 225 hours. A minimum of 80% of exercises must be completed and approved.

Compulsory assignments

  • Exercises

Further on evaluation

Written final exam. No evaluations or partial exams need to be re-taken if a candidate fails to pass the exam. Previously approved compulsory activities (assignments) will be valid for all later exams. If there is a re-sit examination, the examination form may be changed from written to oral.

Course materials

To be stated at the start of the semester.

Subject areas

  • Energy and Process Engineering
  • Technological subjects

Examination

Examination

Examination arrangement: School exam
Grade: Letter grades

Ordinary examination - Autumn 2025

School exam
Weighting 100/100 Examination aids Code A Date 2025-12-18 Time 15:00 Duration 4 hours Exam system Inspera Assessment
Place and room for school exam

The specified room can be changed and the final location will be ready no later than 3 days before the exam. You can find your room location on Studentweb.

Sluppenvegen 14
Room SL310 hvit sone
1 candidate
Room SL110 lilla sone
22 candidates
Room SL311 lyseblå sone
14 candidates
Room SL510
1 candidate
Room SL210
1 candidate
Room SL310 lilla sone
6 candidates

Re-sit examination - Summer 2026

School exam
Weighting 100/100 Examination aids Code A Duration 4 hours Exam system Inspera Assessment Place and room Not specified yet.