Understanding Nuclear Energy from edX

In this nuclear energy course, we will tackle provocative questions such as:

Is nuclear energy a good substitute for fossil fuels to reduce our CO2 emission or not?
Can nuclear reactors operate safely without any harm to the public and environment?
How much nuclear waste is produced and how long does it need to be stored safely?
How can we make nuclear energy clean and more sustainable?
How much are nuclear energy costs?

You will learn the physics behind nuclear science, how to gain energy from nuclear fission, how nuclear reactors operate safely, and the life cycle of nuclear fuel: from mining to disposal. In the last part of the course, we will focus on what matters most in the public debate: the economic and social impact of nuclear energy but also the future of energy systems.

Practically, we will:

Teach you about nuclear science and technology (radiation and radioactivity, nuclear reactions, nuclear reactors and fuel cycle, economics of nuclear energy, and the sociality aspects)
Show you short videos about the theory and practical implementation of nuclear energy
Stimulate discussion and debate about nuclear energy
Ask you to formulate your own opinion about nuclear energy and its role in society

The GENTLE consortium has sponsored and prepared this course. GENTLE is focused on maintaining the current high level of nuclear safety, and developing a highly skilled and well informed nuclear workforce, following the conclusion of the Council of the EU that it “ it is essential to maintain in the European Union a high level of training in the nuclear field “ to deal with reactor fleet safely, decommission obsolete plants, be involved in new builds where policy dictates, and deal with the legacy and future radioactive wastes.

What's inside

Learning objectives

The basics of nuclear science and nuclear energy
The operating principles of nuclear reactors
The various steps in the nuclear fuel cycle

The differences between current and future reactors
The pros and cons of nuclear energy

The basics of nuclear science and nuclear energy
The operating principles of nuclear reactors
The various steps in the nuclear fuel cycle
The differences between current and future reactors
The pros and cons of nuclear energy

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Teaches nuclear science and technology, which are increasingly relevant in modern energy discussions

Instructed by four highly experienced professionals in the field with noted publications

Provides a comprehensive understanding of the nuclear fuel cycle and its economic implications

Includes discussions and debates, encouraging critical thinking about the role of nuclear energy in society

May require prior knowledge in physics and nuclear science for optimal understanding

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 Understanding Nuclear Energy with these activities:

Review Key Concepts in Nuclear Physics

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Reviewing fundamental concepts in nuclear physics will enhance your understanding of the course materials and improve your learning outcomes.

Browse courses on Nuclear Physics

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Go over your notes or review a textbook on nuclear physics.
Focus on topics such as radioactivity, nuclear reactions, and nuclear energy.

Review 'Nuclear Energy: The Basics' by G.F. Hewitt

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Read and review the book 'Nuclear Energy: The Basics' to supplement the course materials and gain a broader perspective on nuclear energy.

View Post-Dryout Heat Transfer on Amazon

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Obtain a copy of the book.
Read the chapters relevant to the course topics.
Summarize key concepts and make notes.

Explore the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission website

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Visit the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission website to gain a deeper understanding of the regulatory framework and safety standards for nuclear energy in the United States.

Browse courses on Nuclear Safety

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Navigate to the NRC website: https://www.nrc.gov/
Explore the 'About Nuclear' section to learn about the basics of nuclear energy and the NRC's mission.
Review the 'Regulations' and 'Safety' sections to understand the legal framework and safety requirements for nuclear power plants.

Seven other activities

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Solve practice problems on nuclear physics

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Practice solving problems related to nuclear physics concepts covered in the course, such as nuclear reactions, radioactivity, and energy release.

Browse courses on Nuclear Physics

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Identify practice problems from textbooks or online resources.
Set aside dedicated time for solving the problems.
Review the solutions and identify areas for improvement.

Explore Online Simulations of Nuclear Reactions

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Interactive simulations can provide a hands-on experience and reinforce your understanding of nuclear reactions.

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Find reputable online platforms offering simulations of nuclear reactions.
Choose simulations that align with the topics covered in the course.
Follow the instructions and explore the simulations to observe different reaction scenarios.

Participate in discussion forums on nuclear energy

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Engage in discussions with peers and experts on nuclear energy topics, sharing insights, asking questions, and deepening understanding.

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Identify relevant discussion forums or online communities.
Participate actively by posting thoughtful comments and questions.
Read and respond to others' posts, engaging in respectful and informative discussions.

Create a presentation on the pros and cons of nuclear energy

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Develop a presentation that critically analyzes the advantages and disadvantages of nuclear energy, presenting a balanced and informed perspective.

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Research and gather information on both the benefits and drawbacks of nuclear energy.
Organize the information into a logical structure with clear arguments.
Create engaging visual aids and graphics to support the presentation.
Practice delivering the presentation to ensure clarity and effectiveness.

Solve Practice Problems on Nuclear Reactor Design

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Engaging in practice drills will strengthen your problem-solving skills and deepen your understanding of nuclear reactor design principles.

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Access online repositories or textbooks that provide practice problems.
Select problems that cover key concepts such as neutron transport, reactor kinetics, and fuel management.
Attempt to solve the problems using the principles and formulas learned in the course.

Compile a glossary of nuclear terminology

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Create a comprehensive glossary of key nuclear energy terms and definitions encountered in the course materials, lectures, and discussions.

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Review course materials and identify important terms.
Look up definitions and explanations from reliable sources (e.g., textbooks, scientific papers).
Organize and categorize the terms in a logical manner.
Consider using online tools or software to create a digital glossary.

Build a model of a nuclear reactor

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Construct a physical or virtual model of a nuclear reactor, demonstrating an understanding of its components, operation, and safety features.

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Gather materials and resources for the model.
Research and design the model, considering the various components and their interactions.
Build and assemble the model, paying attention to accuracy and detail.
Test and evaluate the model's functionality and demonstrate its key features.

Career center

Learners who complete Understanding Nuclear Energy will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Nuclear Safety Inspector

Nuclear Safety Inspectors ensure that nuclear power plants and other nuclear facilities are operated safely and in compliance with regulations. They conduct inspections and audits to verify compliance with safety standards and identify potential hazards. This course would be helpful for Nuclear Safety Inspectors because it provides a comprehensive overview of nuclear science and energy, including the operating principles of nuclear reactors and the various steps in the nuclear fuel cycle. This knowledge would be valuable for Nuclear Safety Inspectors in ensuring that nuclear power plants and other nuclear facilities are operated safely.

See salaries and explore the career path for Nuclear Safety Inspector

Nuclear Engineer

Nuclear Engineers design and develop nuclear reactors and other equipment used to generate electricity. They also work on the safety and maintenance of nuclear power plants. This course would be helpful for Nuclear Engineers because it provides a comprehensive overview of nuclear science and energy, including the operating principles of nuclear reactors and the various steps in the nuclear fuel cycle. This knowledge would be valuable for Nuclear Engineers in designing and developing safe and efficient nuclear power plants.

See salaries and explore the career path for Nuclear Engineer

Radiation Protection Officer

Radiation Protection Officers develop and implement radiation safety programs to protect workers and the public from exposure to harmful radiation. They also conduct radiation surveys and inspections to ensure compliance with radiation safety regulations. This course may be useful for Radiation Protection Officers because it provides a solid understanding of radiation and radioactivity, as well as the principles of nuclear reactor safety. This knowledge would be helpful for Radiation Protection Officers in developing and implementing effective radiation safety programs.

See salaries and explore the career path for Radiation Protection Officer

Nuclear Waste Management Specialist

Nuclear Waste Management Specialists develop and implement strategies for the safe disposal of nuclear waste. They work with government agencies, nuclear power plants, and other organizations to ensure that nuclear waste is stored and disposed of in a way that protects human health and the environment. This course may be useful for Nuclear Waste Management Specialists because it provides a comprehensive overview of the nuclear fuel cycle, including the various steps involved in the disposal of nuclear waste. This knowledge would be helpful for Nuclear Waste Management Specialists in developing and implementing effective nuclear waste management strategies.

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Health Physicist

Health Physicists assess and control radiation hazards to protect human health. They work in a variety of settings, including nuclear power plants, hospitals, and research laboratories. This course may be useful for Health Physicists because it provides a comprehensive overview of radiation and radioactivity, as well as the principles of nuclear reactor safety. This knowledge would be helpful for Health Physicists in assessing and controlling radiation hazards.

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Policy Analyst

Policy Analysts research and analyze public policy issues to inform decision-making. They work in a variety of settings, including government agencies, think tanks, and non-profit organizations. This course may be useful for Policy Analysts because it provides a comprehensive overview of nuclear science and energy, as well as the economic and social impacts of nuclear energy. This knowledge would be helpful for Policy Analysts in developing and analyzing public policy on nuclear energy.

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Environmental Scientist

Environmental Scientists study the environment and its interactions with human activities. They work to protect the environment and human health from pollution and other environmental hazards. This course may be useful for Environmental Scientists because it provides a solid understanding of radiation and radioactivity, as well as the environmental impacts of nuclear energy. This knowledge would be helpful for Environmental Scientists in assessing and mitigating the environmental impacts of nuclear energy.

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Science Writer

Science Writers communicate complex scientific and technical information to the public. They work for a variety of media outlets, including newspapers, magazines, and websites. This course may be useful for Science Writers because it provides a comprehensive overview of nuclear science and energy. This knowledge would be helpful for Science Writers in writing clear and accurate articles about nuclear energy.

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Teacher

Teachers educate students at all levels, from elementary school to college. They develop and deliver lesson plans, assess student learning, and provide feedback to students. This course may be useful for Teachers because it provides a comprehensive overview of nuclear science and energy. This knowledge would be helpful for Teachers in teaching students about nuclear energy.

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Journalist

Journalists report on current events and issues for a variety of media outlets, including newspapers, magazines, and websites. This course may be useful for Journalists because it provides a comprehensive overview of nuclear science and energy. This knowledge would be helpful for Journalists in reporting on nuclear energy issues.

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Lawyer

Lawyers advise clients on legal issues and represent them in court. They work in a variety of settings, including law firms, corporations, and government agencies. This course may be useful for Lawyers because it provides a comprehensive overview of nuclear science and energy, as well as the legal and regulatory framework for nuclear energy. This knowledge would be helpful for Lawyers in advising clients on nuclear energy issues.

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Project Manager

Project Managers plan, organize, and execute projects to achieve specific goals. They work in a variety of industries, including construction, engineering, and information technology. This course may be useful for Project Managers because it provides a comprehensive overview of the nuclear fuel cycle, including the various steps involved in the construction and operation of nuclear power plants. This knowledge would be helpful for Project Managers in managing nuclear power plant projects.

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Economist

Economists study the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services. They work in a variety of settings, including government agencies, businesses, and research institutions. This course may be useful for Economists because it provides a comprehensive overview of the economic and social impacts of nuclear energy. This knowledge would be helpful for Economists in analyzing the economic impacts of nuclear energy.

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Business Analyst

Business Analysts analyze business processes and systems to improve efficiency and effectiveness. They work with businesses of all sizes to identify and solve business problems. This course may be useful for Business Analysts because it provides a comprehensive overview of the economic and social impacts of nuclear energy. This knowledge would be helpful for Business Analysts in analyzing the business impacts of nuclear energy.

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Nuclear Medicine Physician

Nuclear Medicine Physicians use radioactive isotopes to diagnose and treat diseases. They work in hospitals and clinics to perform a variety of procedures, including nuclear imaging and radiation therapy. This course may be useful for Nuclear Medicine Physicians because it provides a comprehensive overview of radiation and radioactivity, as well as the principles of nuclear reactor safety. This knowledge would be helpful for Nuclear Medicine Physicians in using radioactive isotopes safely and effectively.

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