Nuclear Energy: Science, Systems and Society from edX

Nuclear Energy: Science, Systems and Society offers an introduction to the basic physics of nuclear energy and radiation, with an emphasis on the unique attributes and challenges of nuclear energy as a low-carbon solution. Peaceful applications of radiation to help humankind, such as reactors for materials science research, nuclear medicine, security initiatives and quantum technology, will be introduced.

The course will explore fission energy, establishing the scientific, engineering, and economic basis for fission reactors, and will describe the state of the art in nuclear reactor technology.

We will also learn about magnetic fusion energy research, with lectures covering the scientific and engineering basis of tokamaks, the state of the art in world fusion experiments, and the MIT vision for high-magnetic field fusion reactor.

In addition, the course also includes an optional hands-on section using guided exercises available on-line.

As a preview, please enjoy this virtual tour of the MIT Reactor!

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What you'll learn

Learners will be able to critically assess questions such as;

"What are common and not-so-common sources of radiation, and should I be concerned?"
"Can nuclear energy help to solve the climate change problem?"
"Is nuclear energy cost competitive?"
"Do I want a nuclear power plant in my backyard?"
"What is the basic idea behind fusion energy and how viable are proposed paths to develop fusion reactors?"
"How much radiation exists around me?"
"What are the challenges and opportunities in quantum computation and quantum technology?"

What's inside

Learning objectives

"what are common and not-so-common sources of radiation, and should i be concerned?"
"can nuclear energy help to solve the climate change problem?"
"is nuclear energy cost competitive?"
"do i want a nuclear power plant in my backyard?"

"what is the basic idea behind fusion energy and how viable are proposed paths to develop fusion reactors?"
"how much radiation exists around me?"
"what are the challenges and opportunities in quantum computation and quantum technology?"

"what are common and not-so-common sources of radiation, and should i be concerned?"
"can nuclear energy help to solve the climate change problem?"
"is nuclear energy cost competitive?"
"do i want a nuclear power plant in my backyard?"
"what is the basic idea behind fusion energy and how viable are proposed paths to develop fusion reactors?"
"how much radiation exists around me?"
"what are the challenges and opportunities in quantum computation and quantum technology?"

Syllabus

Module 1: Introduces the basics of ionizing radiation - what it is, where it comes from, and how it is used to benefit humanity. We specifically focus on the origins and energetics of ionizing radiation, and quantify what radiation dose is, where it comes from, and how much people can safely tolerate with no adverse effects.

Module 2: Will articulate attributes and challenges of nuclear energy as a commercial source of electric power. Will focus on potential contribution of nuclear energy to decarbonization of the power sector, including discussion of nuclear power plant economics and safety. A few innovations in nuclear energy systems will be described.

Module 3: Will cover the basics of nuclear fusion, including fundamental plasma physics concepts needed to understand the prospects for development of magnetic confinement fusion. Innovation and future directions will be described.

Module 4 : Will cover applications of nuclear science and engineering beyond energy, focusing on the emerging field of quantum science and engineering, where atomic and nuclear science are playing an important role. Innovations, challenges and opportunities in quantum computation and quantum sensing will be described.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Provides a strong foundation for beginners, making it helpful as an initial step into this area

Develops skills and knowledge beneficial in both industry and academics

Taught by recognized experts in the field, ensuring high-quality course materials and delivery

Covers advanced topics, providing you with a strong conceptual foundation

Examines current trends and emerging technologies, giving you an up-to-date understanding of the field

Accessible and engaging for beginners, easing your entry into the subject area

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Nuclear Energy: Science, Systems and Society with these activities:

Read: 'Introduction to Nuclear Engineering'

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Gain a comprehensive understanding of nuclear engineering principles.

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Read the textbook.
Take notes and highlight important concepts.
Solve practice problems and review end-of-chapter questions.
Discuss the material with peers or a tutor.

Review Nuclear Engineering Concepts

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Review previously learned nuclear engineering concepts to enhance understanding of the course material.

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Review nuclear physics basics, including radioactivity, nuclear reactions, and nuclear structure.
Study reactor physics, including reactor design, operation, and safety.
Explore nuclear fuel cycle and waste management practices.

Review basic physics

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Build a foundation in basic physics to better understand the concepts of nuclear energy.

Browse courses on Nuclear Physics

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Read a textbook or online resources on basic physics.
Solve practice problems on basic physics concepts.
Attend a workshop or tutorial on basic physics.

Five other activities

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Solve nuclear engineering practice problems

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Test and improve understanding of nuclear engineering concepts.

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Find practice problems from textbooks, online resources, or instructors.
Solve the problems independently.
Check your answers and identify areas for improvement.
Seek help from peers or instructors when needed.

Join a study group for nuclear energy

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Engage with peers and collaborate on understanding nuclear energy concepts.

Browse courses on Nuclear Energy

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Find or form a study group with other students.
Meet regularly to discuss course material.
Work together on practice problems and projects.

Assist with a nuclear science outreach program

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Apply knowledge to a practical setting and engage with the community on nuclear science.

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Find a local organization involved in nuclear science outreach.
Volunteer to assist with programs and events.
Share your knowledge and enthusiasm for nuclear science with others.

Contribute to an open-source nuclear simulation project

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Deepen understanding and gain practical experience in nuclear simulation.

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Identify an open-source nuclear simulation project.
Review the project's code and documentation.
Contribute code or documentation to the project.
Interact with other contributors and learn from their expertise.

Develop a presentation on nuclear fusion

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Solidify knowledge of nuclear fusion by explaining its principles to others.

Browse courses on Nuclear Fusion

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Research nuclear fusion and plasma physics.
Create presentation slides.
Practice presenting the material.
Deliver the presentation to peers or mentors.

Career center

Learners who complete Nuclear Energy: Science, Systems and Society will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Nuclear Engineer

Nuclear Engineers design, develop, and operate nuclear reactors and other systems that use nuclear energy. They also develop and apply nuclear technology in other fields, such as medicine and agriculture. This course provides a strong foundation in the basic physics of nuclear energy and radiation, as well as the design and operation of nuclear reactors. This knowledge is essential for Nuclear Engineers, who need to be able to safely and efficiently design and operate nuclear systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Nuclear Engineer

Radiation Protection Specialist

Radiation Protection Specialists develop and implement measures to protect people and the environment from the harmful effects of radiation. They also assess the risks of radiation exposure and develop procedures to minimize these risks. This course provides a comprehensive overview of the sources and effects of radiation, as well as the principles of radiation protection. This knowledge is essential for Radiation Protection Specialists, who need to be able to effectively protect people and the environment from radiation hazards.

See salaries and explore the career path for Radiation Protection Specialist

Health Physicist

Health Physicists protect people from the harmful effects of radiation. They assess the risks of radiation exposure and develop procedures to minimize these risks. This course provides a comprehensive overview of the sources and effects of radiation, as well as the principles of radiation protection. This knowledge is essential for Health Physicists, who need to be able to effectively protect people from radiation hazards.

See salaries and explore the career path for Health Physicist

Medical Physicist

Medical Physicists use radiation to diagnose and treat diseases. They also develop and implement new medical imaging technologies. This course provides a strong foundation in the basic physics of radiation, as well as the principles of radiation therapy and medical imaging. This knowledge is essential for Medical Physicists, who need to be able to safely and effectively use radiation to diagnose and treat diseases.

See salaries and explore the career path for Medical Physicist

Radiochemist

Radiochemists use radioactive substances to study the structure and properties of matter. They also develop new radioactive materials for use in medicine, industry, and research. This course provides a strong foundation in the basic physics of radiation, as well as the principles of nuclear chemistry. This knowledge is essential for Radiochemists, who need to be able to safely and effectively use radioactive substances to study the structure and properties of matter.

See salaries and explore the career path for Radiochemist

Nuclear Medicine Technologist

Nuclear Medicine Technologists use radioactive substances to diagnose and treat diseases. They also perform radiation therapy procedures. This course provides a strong foundation in the basic physics of radiation, as well as the principles of radiation therapy and nuclear medicine. This knowledge is essential for Nuclear Medicine Technologists, who need to be able to safely and effectively use radiation to diagnose and treat diseases.

See salaries and explore the career path for Nuclear Medicine Technologist

Nuclear Safety Engineer

Nuclear Safety Engineers design and implement safety measures for nuclear facilities. They also assess the risks of nuclear accidents and develop procedures to minimize these risks. This course provides a comprehensive overview of the sources and effects of radiation, as well as the principles of nuclear safety. This knowledge is essential for Nuclear Safety Engineers, who need to be able to effectively protect people and the environment from nuclear hazards.

See salaries and explore the career path for Nuclear Safety Engineer

Quantum Engineer

Quantum Engineers design and develop quantum systems. They also develop new applications for quantum technology. This course provides a strong foundation in the basic principles of quantum mechanics, as well as the design and operation of quantum systems. This knowledge is essential for Quantum Engineers, who need to be able to effectively design and develop quantum systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Quantum Engineer

Nuclear Power Plant Operator

Nuclear Power Plant Operators operate and maintain nuclear power plants. They also monitor the safety of nuclear power plants and respond to emergencies. This course provides a strong foundation in the basic physics of nuclear energy and radiation, as well as the design and operation of nuclear power plants. This knowledge is essential for Nuclear Power Plant Operators, who need to be able to safely and efficiently operate nuclear power plants.

See salaries and explore the career path for Nuclear Power Plant Operator

Nuclear Waste Management Specialist

Nuclear Waste Management Specialists manage the disposal of radioactive waste. They also develop new technologies for the treatment and disposal of radioactive waste. This course provides a strong foundation in the basic physics of nuclear energy and radiation, as well as the principles of nuclear waste management. This knowledge is essential for Nuclear Waste Management Specialists, who need to be able to safely and effectively manage the disposal of radioactive waste.

See salaries and explore the career path for Nuclear Waste Management Specialist

Materials Scientist

Materials Scientists study the properties of materials and develop new materials for use in a variety of applications. This course provides a strong foundation in the basic principles of nuclear physics, as well as the properties of nuclear materials. This knowledge is essential for Materials Scientists who work with nuclear materials.

See salaries and explore the career path for Materials Scientist

Science Writer

Science Writers communicate scientific and technical information to the public. They write articles, books, and other materials that explain complex scientific concepts in a clear and concise way. This course provides a strong foundation in the basic physics of nuclear energy and radiation, as well as the principles of nuclear science. This knowledge can be helpful for Science Writers who want to write about nuclear energy and radiation.

See salaries and explore the career path for Science Writer

Policy Analyst

Policy Analysts research and analyze public policy issues. They advise policymakers on the development and implementation of public policy. This course provides a strong foundation in the basic physics of nuclear energy and radiation, as well as the principles of nuclear science. This knowledge can be helpful for Policy Analysts who want to work on nuclear energy policy.

See salaries and explore the career path for Policy Analyst

Teacher

Teachers educate students in a variety of subjects. They may teach at the elementary, secondary, or post-secondary level. This course provides a strong foundation in the basic physics of nuclear energy and radiation, as well as the principles of nuclear science. This knowledge can be helpful for Teachers who want to teach about nuclear energy and radiation.

See salaries and explore the career path for Teacher

Journalist

Journalists research and report on news and current events. They may work for newspapers, magazines, television stations, or websites. This course provides a strong foundation in the basic physics of nuclear energy and radiation, as well as the principles of nuclear science. This knowledge can be helpful for Journalists who want to report on nuclear energy and radiation.

See salaries and explore the career path for Journalist