Nuclear reactor technology – past, present and future

General information

The course is an elective interdisciplinary course worth 7.5 ECTS which is not included in any other educational program. Beyond presenting nuclear reactors in a broad societal context, the course describes the technological aspects of nuclear reactors and their physics.

Three main themes are covered in the course:

• History of nuclear power development. After introducing some elementary concepts in nuclear physics and radiation science, as well the basic working principles of nuclear reactors, the history of world nuclear power development is presented. The different generations of nuclear reactors are also detailed.
• Technology and physics of nuclear reactors. The entire fuel cycle in relation to nuclear reactors is first introduced. The technological aspects of nuclear power plants are then presented, before focusing on the nuclear core, i.e., the part of the system containing the nuclear fuel assemblies. The various physical phenomena of importance in the core are described, and the corresponding governing equations derived. Such equations are solved in simple enough situations/configurations to gain physical understanding. The control and operation of nuclear reactors are finally tackled, before introducing the basic principles of nuclear power safety.
• Nuclear power, saving the world? The last part of the course focuses on nuclear fuel resources, the risks associated with nuclear reactor technology in general and the proliferation risks in particular, and the future prospects of this technology. The ethical aspects of nuclear power are also covered.

The course is a flipped course, which means that self-paced learning elements are provided on each chapter, followed by teacher-led interactive sessions promoting active learning. Those interactive sessions are offered in a hybrid set-up and can thus be attended onsite at Chalmers or remotely on the web. In the remote attendance option, the course is thus entirely web based. The sessions are typically organized on Monday afternoons (in study period 1) and on Friday mornings (in study period 2). The sessions are largely based on group work/activities promoting intercultural and interdisciplinary collaborations between peers.

In addition, the groups need to work on some projects offered throughout the course. By applying the learned concepts on practical examples and via the support from the teaching staff, you will develop an in-depth understanding of the technology and physics of nuclear reactors.

For more information, please contact: Prof. Christophe Demazière demaz@chalmers.se

How to apply

Apply to all Tracks courses at antagning.se / universityadmissions.se
Search for the course code TRA410

To assess your application, please provide us with a short motivation letter (max. 1 page). The letter of motivation requested is an opportunity for each student to express specific interests and experience that cannot be seen from transcripts only. The purpose of the motivation letter is to assist the teachers in grouping students with respect to background and interests. In addition, it is possible to upload a CV that may provide additional background experience that may be relevant.

Upload the letter of motivation on your account at antagning.se / universityadmissions.se.

For all other persons, apply through this form.

More information on how to select courses

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.