Course Offerings
Washington State University is developing a Nuclear Engineering emphasis within its College of Engineering and Architecture, led by its campus in Richland, Washington. The initial courses are outlined below. Additional courses will be developed at WSU, including Nuclear Engineering Certificate Program.
An Advisory Committee has been formed to provide expert guidance on the development of the proposed course offerings and modules for the duration of the project, as well as long-term planning for the expansion of nuclear engineering educational opportunities at WSU.
2009 & Beyond
- Fall semester – ME-461, Introduction to Nuclear Engineering
- Spring semester – ME-579, New Reactor Engineering
* Classes subject to change
Related Nuclear Engineering courses offered at the Pullman Campus
- Chem 490 - Current Topics in Chemistry
- Chem 521/522 - Radiochemistry and Radio tracers
- Chem 499 - Reactor Operation
Course Syllabus
ME 461: Introduction to Nuclear Engineering
Course Description: This course is designed to orientate students in applied nuclear physics; application of the nuclear fuel cycle and nuclear reactor core design; and nuclear reactor systems and safety.
Number of credits: 3
Prerequisites by course: Major in engineering
Prerequisites by topic: Mechanical Engineering
Course objectives:
- Energy from Nuclear Fission
- Nuclear Reactions and Radiations
- Neutron Transport Behavior
- Nuclear Design Basics
- Nuclear Steam Supply System
- Radiation Protection and Shielding
- General Nuclear Power Reactor Safety, Security and Environment Protection
Topics Covered:
- Atomic and Nuclear Physics
- Interaction of Radiation and Matter
- Nuclear Reactors & Power
- Nuclear Fuel Cycle
- Neutron Diffusion and Moderation
- Nuclear Reactor Theory
- Time-dependent Reactor
- Reactor Heat Removal
- Radiation Protection and Shielding
- Nuclear Power Plant Licensing
Expected student outcomes:
- An understanding of nuclear energy fundamentals, nuclear fissions, and fission reactors
- An understanding of nuclear reactions and radiations, and reactor heat generation
- An understanding of neutron transport behavior
- An understanding of a nuclear steam supply system, nuclear safety, nuclear fuel cycle
- An understanding of radiation protection and ability to perform shielding calculations for a simple reactor system
- A general understanding of nuclear power plant systems, licensing, design, operation & maintenance, safety, and security
- The ability to perform a general design and nuclear safety analysis for a simple reactor system
Class Schedule: Two 1½ hour lecture sessions per week, for one semester
Laboratory Schedule: Lecture sessions are converted to laboratory sessions as needed for CAD and design activities.
Contribution to Meeting the professional component: Engineering Topics
Relationship of Course to
Program objectives:
Meets
- School of MME ME educational objectives: 1, 2, 3
- School of MME ME program outcomes: (a), (c), (d), (e), (f), (g), (k)
- ABET EC2000, Criterion 3 program outcomes: (a), (c), (d), (e), (f), (g), (k)
ME 479: Nuclear Reactor Engineering (will be renumbered to ME 568)
Course Description: This course is covers nuclear reactor design problems in thermodynamics, fluid flow, heat transfer, fuel preparation, waste disposal, materials selection. It will include discussions of reactor types. Cooperative courses taught by University of Idaho are open to WSU students.
Number of credits: 3
Prerequisites: ME-461 or graduate level students
Prerequisites by topic: Mechanical Engineering
Course objectives:
- Energy Transport
- Reactor Fuel Management and Energy Cost Considerations
- Nuclear Reactor Safety and Regulations
- Power Reactor Systems
- Plant Operations
- Advanced Plants and the Future
- Environmental Effects of Nuclear Power and Waste Management
Topics Covered:
- Heat Sources in Reactor Systems
- Reactor Heat Transfer
- Core Fluid Flow and Core Design
- In-Core Fuel Management – PWRs and BWRs
- Nuclear Fuel Utilization and Energy Costs
- Accident Analysis, Management, and Regulations
- Waste Management and Options
- Advanced Reactors
Expected student outcomes:
- An understanding of nuclear energy transport in reactor design; thermodynamic viewpoint, and design methods
- An understanding of pre-reactor fuel operations, in-core management for nuclear reactors and energy costs
- An understanding of nuclear reactor safety and regulations
- An understanding of advanced light water reactor concepts and designs
- A general understanding of nuclear waste management advanced light water reactor concepts and designs
- The ability to perform a general design and safety analysis for nuclear reactor systems
Team design project(s) – may be assigned by the instructor
Class Schedule: Two 1½ hour lecture sessions per week, for one semester
Laboratory Schedule: Lecture sessions are converted to laboratory sessions as needed for CAD and design activities
Contribution of Meeting the professional component: Engineering Topics
Relationship of Course to
Program objectives:
Meets
- School of MME ME educational objectives: 1, 2, 3
- School of MME ME program outcomes: (a), (c), (d), (e), (f), (g), (k)
- ABET EC2000, Criterion 3 program outcomes: (a), (c), (d), (e), (f), (g), (k)