Module Details
The information contained in this module specification was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change, either during the session because of unforeseen circumstances, or following review of the module at the end of the session. Queries about the module should be directed to the member of staff with responsibility for the module.
Title Nuclear Technologies
Code MECH434
Coordinator Prof KR Whittle
Mechanical, Materials & Aerospace Eng
Karl.Whittle@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2019-20 Level 7 FHEQ First Semester 7.5

Aims

The module provides an understanding of nuclear engineering, with coverage going from the atomic scale through to the bulk scale. The topics will cover reactor dynamics, design and operation, lifetime behaviour, evolution of technologies and nuclear waste. For example, understanding the implications of the fission/fusion processes themselves on the behaviour of the core.

Learning Outcomes

(LO1) Basic nuclear physics including the ability to calculate energy release rates, conditions for fission/fusion and radioactive decay

(LO2) The material requirements, environments and challenges within nuclear reactor cores

(LO3) Reactor technologies, from a historical overview through to the development of new reactor systems

(LO4) Disposal and decommissioning of radioactive nuclear waste/facilities and how they can be optimised.

(LO5) Lessons learnt for reactor accidents, eg Fukushima, Three Mile Island

Syllabus
 

Outline Syllabus

Atomic Processes - Atoms, Isotopes, Radioactive Decay and Fission/Fusion

Material Challenges in Reactor Cores - Impacts arising from fission/fusion, conditions within core etc

Nuclear Fuel and Cladding - Background, Requirements, Operational Impacts, Accidents

Reactor Technologies and Evolution - Historical and Future Technologies

Nuclear Waste Management and Decommissioning

Nuclear Fusion

Incidents at Nuclear Reactors, e.g. Fukushima, Chernobyl

Teaching and Learning Strategies

The course will mainly be delivered using lectures, but with online content and background material provided.

Teaching Schedule
  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours 22

   2

       24
Timetable (if known)              
Private Study 0
TOTAL HOURS 24

Assessment
EXAM Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
Exam assessing the key learning outcomes of the module  3 hours    100       
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
             

Recommended Texts
Reading lists are managed at readinglists.liverpool.ac.uk. Click here to access the reading lists for this module.