Module manager: Dr X Jia
Email: x.jia@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2024/25
This module is approved as a discovery module
Nuclear energy will be a major part of the UK's strategy to generate low (no) carbon energy. To understand how the technology fits into that strategy, as well as how the UK nuclear industry has developed into one of the largest in the world, you need to know about a wide range of operations across the nuclear fuel cycle. This module looks at nuclear fission from the reactor to disposal of the wastes. It will take you through the science and engineering behind reactor operations, nuclear fuel recycling and disposal, as well as all aspects of waste treatment. Nuclear decommissioning, is one of the largest areas of industrial activity in the UK and the module covers this. The module will also give you the basic understanding of the nuclear physics and chemistry behind these operations, as well as the engineering. The module is suitable for students with a background in STEM subjects.
At the end of the module, students will have a detailed understanding of the science and engineering that underlies current nuclear operations, within the UK and worldwide.
Students will develop an understanding of operations in the nuclear industry as component of an integrated nuclear fuel cycle.
- Fundamental chemistry and physics pertaining to nuclear operations
- Principles of nuclear operations
- Reactor operation
- Nuclear safety
- Comparison of UK versus international practices
- Spent fuel treatment and disposal
- Nuclear waste treatment
- Reactor decommissioning
- Legacy decommissioning
- Decontamination
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lecture | 22 | 2 | 44 |
| Tutorial | 10 | 1 | 10 |
| Private study hours | 146 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 54 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 200 | ||
- Completion of assignments
- Independent study of the issues raised by the lectures
- Revision
- Performance in assignments.
- Contributions to discussions in tutorial sessions.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Assignment | Assignment 1 | 20 |
| Assignment | Assignment 2 | 20 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 40 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
| Exam type | Exam duration | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Standard exam (closed essays, MCQs etc) | 2.0 Hrs Mins | 60 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Exams) | 60 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
There is no reading list for this module
Last updated: 4/29/2024
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