PHYS8202 Reactor Science

Offered By	Physics Education Centre
Academic Career	Graduate Coursework
Course Subject	Physics
Offered in	First Semester, 2012 and First Semester, 2013
Unit Value	6 units
Course Description	This course introduces students to the key concepts in Reactor Physics, including: Basic nuclear principles (Fission, Neutron moderation) Nuclear Fuel options Reactor types (Boiling water, Pressurized water, Heavy water, Thorium, Fast breeder, Gas-cooled) Reactor operation and control Safety and accidents New generation reactors Reactor economics.
Learning Outcomes	On satisfying the requirements of this course, students will have the knowledge and skills to: 1. explain basic reactor science 2. critically examine reactor types to identify their advantages and disadvantages 3. compare the merits of new generation reactors and appraise their technical status 4. critically review the issues affecting the economics of nuclear power 5. discuss nuclear accidents and evaluate reactor safety measures
Indicative Assessment	An assessment portfolio, to be negotiated with students in terms of formats and weightings, will be based on: Problem sets and homework tasks (LO 1, 2) Written assignments (LO 1-5) Class presentations (LO 3-5)
Workload	2 lecture hours per week plus tutorials
Course Classification(s)	AdvancedAdvanced courses are designed for students having reached 'first degree' level of assumed knowledge, which provide a deep understanding of contemporary issues; or 'second degree' and higher levels of knowledge; or for transition to research training programs.
Areas of Interest	Physics
Eligibility	Bachelor degree
Requisite Statement	General science knowledge
Preliminary Reading	D. Bodansky, Nuclear Energy, Springer (2004) /K. Krane, Introductory Nuclear Physics, Wiley (1987)
Programs	Master of Energy Change and Master of Energy Change (Research)
Academic Contact	Dr Andrew Stuchbery

The information published on the Study at ANU 2012 website applies to the 2012 academic year only. All information provided on this website replaces the information contained in the Study at ANU 2011 website.