NUCLEAR ENERGY AND APPLICATIONS - 2025/6

Module Overview

The course provides an introduction to nuclear energy generation and applications of nuclear science. Nuclear reactors, their physics and operation are described. Nuclear reactor safety case work is also discussed. Future potential energy generation mechanisms such including nuclear fusion will be discussed. The module will also present a range of applications of radioactivity measurement including aspects of Environmental Science and Medical Diagnogstics and treatment therapy. The module will include some aspects of calculus and first order differential equations.

Module provider

Mathematics & Physics

Module Leader

REGAN Patrick (Maths & Phys)

Number of Credits: 15

ECTS Credits: 7.5

Framework: FHEQ Level 7

Module cap (Maximum number of students): N/A

Module Availability

Semester 2

Prerequisites / Co-requisites

None

Module content

Introduction to nuclear reactor physics, neutron induced fission, energy release in fission, concept of neutron flux and cross-section, neutron cycle in thermal reactors, criticality, the four and six factor formulae, beta-delayed neutrons for control, moderators, nuclear power output calculation, breeder reactions. Radioisotope inventory of irradiated fuel, amounts produced, fissile and fertile materials. Differences between thermal reactors and fast reactors; the role of plutonium and higher isotopes. Reactor control and operation, neutron lifetime and delayed neutrons.
Breeder reactor designs and Thorium based cycles.

GEN IV reactor designs, SMRs; AMRs, MSR etc.
Aspects of Nuclear Fusion, inertial confinement and tokomak-based designs.
Legislative aspects of nuclear energy generation.

Aspects of applications of radioactivity, nuclear metrology, standards, traceability. applications in Nuclear Forensics and Nuclear Medicine in the 21st Century.

Assessment pattern

Alternative Assessment

N/A.

Assessment Strategy

The assessment strategy is designed to provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate both knowledge across the whole breadth of the module and a deeper cognitive/analytical ability alongside deeper knowledge in specified areas.

The summative assessment for this module consists of:

• Short, multiple choice questions of the assessment package are to test knowledge and understanding of a broad range of topics covered in the module.


• End of semester examination aimed at assessing the knowledge of specific chosen topics and depth of understanding expected at level 7 on nuclear energy physics and its applications.

Module aims

• To provide an understanding of the physics behind nuclear energy generation, including nuclear fission, environmental radioactivity, radionuclide metrology and nuclear medicine applications.

Learning outcomes

Methods of Teaching / Learning

The learning and teaching methods include, lectures, seminars, large class tutorials.

Indicated Lecture Hours (which may also include seminars, tutorials, workshops and other contact time) are approximate and may include in-class tests where one or more of these are an assessment on the module. In-class tests are scheduled/organised separately to taught content and will be published on to student personal timetables, where they apply to taken modules, as soon as they are finalised by central administration. This will usually be after the initial publication of the teaching timetable for the relevant semester.

Reading list

https://readinglists.surrey.ac.uk
Upon accessing the reading list, please search for the module using the module code: PHYM064

Other information

Numerate academic background recommended.

The School of Mathematics and Physics is committed to developing graduates with strengths in Employability, Digital Capabilities, Global and Cultural Capabilities, Sustainability, and Resourcefulness and Resilience. This module is designed to allow students to develop knowledge, skills, and capabilities in the following areas:

Employability: The module introduces learners to a range of concepts and ideas relevant nuclear energy generation and the applications of nuclear science. Thus the skills that will be developed as part of this module will equip students with the knowledge and problem-solving skills that are required for work in the nuclear industry and in future areas related to nuclear fusion.  

Sustainability: Nuclear energy offers a substantial contribution to sustainable development by providing a low-carbon, reliable, and efficient energy source. However, addressing the associated challenges, which are explored in this module, are essential to fully harness its potential and ensure a sustainable energy future.

Programmes this module appears in

Please note that the information detailed within this record is accurate at the time of publishing and may be subject to change. This record contains information for the most up to date version of the programme / module for the 2025/6 academic year.