Nuclear reactor technology – past, present and future

Explore nuclear reactor technology from its origins to its future – physics, fuel cycles, safety, ethics and the role of nuclear in a sustainable world.

Christophe Demazière Professor, Physics and Astronomy

Subject areas

Energy & Sustainability, Physics & Nanotechnology

Course Duration

200 hours 16 weeks

Location

Hybrid Chalmers University of Technology, Campus Johanneberg

Nuclear power technology has been a major asset since the mid-70s for decarbonizing electricity generation and for decreasing our reliance on fossil fuel. With more than 400 nuclear reactors currently in operation worldwide (more than 90 being in Western Europe) and more than 50 under construction, nuclear reactors will play a significant role for many years to come.By following this course, you will be able to understand the development of this technology from its early days, how it works, its advantages, disadvantages, limitations, and how it contributes to some of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.

Who can apply

Everyone is welcome to apply: Chalmers students, PhD students, alumni and professionals, whatever your background. Each group applies in its own way, described under How to apply below.

Tracks – a unique concept

These courses provide hands-on experience solving real-world problems, fostering a collaborative mindset, and expanding your professional network. Operating in close partnership with industry, society, and cutting-edge research, Tracks courses are also continuously changed to be as up to date as possible.

Collaboration and entrepreneurship

With a Tracks course, you will become better at collaborating with people from different countries and backgrounds. You will also learn more about ethics, communication, and entrepreneurship. These skills will equip you with a head start in working life. When you take a Tracks course, you also work in our brand-new makerspace: Fuse, which is a creative meeting place with 3D printers, a variety of studios, and workshops where your creativity can flourish.

If you have already attended Chalmers and chosen to take a Tracks course, you will have the advantage of familiarizing yourself with a current critical subject and building on your current knowledge. Together with other engineers, architects, and entrepreneurs of the future, you will gain new perspectives in your future professional life.

Most Tracks courses use Chalmers makerspace Fuse – a creative meeting place where education, research, industry and the community come together to test and implement ideas.

How to apply

Tracks courses are applied for through Chalmers, and students, PhD students, alumni and professionals each follow their own process. You’ll find the steps under How to apply for Tracks courses. Dates, teachers and other details for this course are on the course page at chalmers.se.

Lecturer