Nuclear Power Reactors make a substantial contribution to electricity generation in the UK and throughout the world. This course will discuss the physical principles behind power reactors, their properties and operation. It will review designs for future reactors and explore related issues of economics, sustainability, carbon budgets, public acceptance, safety, nuclear waste treatment and disposal.

Typically 2 lectures per week

None

None

Description of Summative Assessment: 

Assessment: Unseen examination.

To understand the principles of energy generation from nuclear reactions.

To evaluate the properties of the current generation of nuclear power reactors.

To review designs for new types of reactor.

To explore related issues of risk assessment, public acceptance and waste disposal.

By the end of this course students will be able to:

Explain the role of nuclear power reactors in meeting the needs for electricity generation in the UK and worldwide.

Explain the principles of operation of nuclear power reactors, for a range of current and future designs.

Debate the issues of the operational safety of reactors, energy policy and waste management.

Students must submit at least 75% by weight of the components (including examinations) of the course's summative assessment.