Module manager: Dr X Jia
Email: x.jia@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2026/27
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.
On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
1. Analyse the commercial, economic, and social factors that influence nuclear processes, using relevant case studies or sector data.
2. Describe and evaluate the most widely used unit operations in nuclear systems, including their functional roles and performance metrics.
3. Compare open and closed fuel cycles in terms of affordability, sustainability, and supply security, using structured criteria and evidence-based reasoning.
4. Identify and interpret legal requirements, industry standards, and codes of practice governing nuclear activities - covering security, waste and effluent treatment, and health and safety - with attention to international variation.
5. Locate, assess, and apply technical information from literature and other credible sources, exercising judgement in selecting appropriate data for engineering or policy decisions.
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills:
a. Communication
b. Creativity
c. Critical thinking
d. Problem solving
e. Technical skills
- Fundamental chemistry and physics pertaining to nuclear operations
- Principles of nuclear operations
- Reactor operation
- Nuclear safety and regulation
- Spent fuel treatment and disposal
- Nuclear waste treatment
- Reactor decommissioning
- Legacy decommissioning
- Decontamination
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lecture | 22 | 2 | 44 |
| Practical | 3 | 2 | 6 |
| Tutorial | 2 | 2 | 4 |
| Private study hours | 150 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 54 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 204 | ||
S1 lectures include a quiz in the form of Vevox polls to encourage participation and to provide formative feedback.
A formative assessment, in the form MCQ, will also be available to help students with revision.
S2 lectures include a quiz in the form of Vevox polls to encourage participation and to provide formative feedback.
MCQ summary feedback will also be delivered through a recorded presentation.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Assignment | Assignment | 20 |
| In-course Assessment | Class Test | 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
Check the module area in Minerva for your reading list
Last updated: 14/05/2026
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team