| Unit name | Nuclear Reactor Physics |
|---|---|
| Unit code | PHYSM0046 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | M/7 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24) |
| Unit director | Dr. Martin |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Units you must take before you take this one (pre-requisite units) |
Students should be familiar with the basics of nuclear theory, such as the constituent particles of the atom, radioactivity, half-lives, types of radioactive decay and basic quantum theory. This prior knowledge can be derived either from taking the Level M unit 'Nuclear Science' (mandatory for students on the MSc in Nuclear Science and Engineering), or from nuclear, particle and quantum physics units from the undergraduate physics course. |
| Units you must take alongside this one (co-requisite units) |
No co-requisites for Physics undergraduates.
|
| Units you may not take alongside this one |
n/a |
| School/department | School of Physics |
| Faculty | Faculty of Science |
Why is this unit important?
Nuclear Energy is a major contributor to the electricity generation of many countries, including around 15% of the UK's electricity generation. Nuclear fission generates electricity from the heat released when a heavy element such as uranium is split following the absorption of a neutron. As a low-carbon energy source, nuclear fission is an important tool for reaching the UK's targets for climate change and Net Zero, with a number of new reactors currently under construction. Nuclear fusion, where two small atoms are fused together to release energy, is also under development, with new developments in tokamak design accelerating in recent years.
To understand how nuclear energy works, it is vital to understand how the materials within fission and fusion reactors are made, how they change during operation, and how the physics behind the interactions between fuel and neutrons leads to the release of so much energy. The course is designed to give students an overview of the operation of nuclear reactors. The course combines an overview of the nuclear fuel cycle with a mathematical underpinning of the interaction of neutrons and fuel within the reactor itself.
How does this unit fit into your programme of study?
This 20 credit point level M unit is a mandatory unit for the MSc in Nuclear Science and Engineering, where understanding the interactions between fuel and neutrons is essential to the goals of the course. The Nuclear Reactor Physics module is also available as a fourth year optional unit for students on the undergraduate course in Physics, where it will provide a broad overview of the physics and background behind nuclear energy.
An overview of content
Students will gain an in-depth knowledge of the physical and chemical structure and behaviour of nuclear fuel, how it is mined, manufactured and used in reactors, and how this changes as a function of time, during its operational lifetime. There will be a particular focus on the metallurgy and materials science of the fuel at each of the various stages in the cycle, including the effects of irradiation damage and the formation of fission products during reactor operation, and corrosion and radioactive decay during disposal and storage. The most important physical and chemical processes involved in the safe handling and processing of spent nuclear fuel will be covered in detail.
The students will gain an understanding of the physics behind thermal, reflected and fast reactor types, as well as concepts such as neutron current, flux, diffusion and moderation. Reactor kinetics will be discussed with particular attention on criticality, both prompt and delayed. This course will also provide students with an introduction to thermal hydraulics.
The impact of new nuclear technologies such as generation IV and fusion reactors on the fuel cycle and reactor operation will be considered. Finally, the state-of-play and future of the nuclear industry in the UK and global energy market will be discussed.
How will students, personally, be different as a result of the unit - 'what you know, how you think and what you can do.
By the end of the unit, the students on this course will understand how we can generate energy using nuclear fission and fusion processes. They will be able to show mathematically how neutrons and fuel interact within different reactor types, to describe how nuclear fuel is made, used and the options for its final disposal, and to demonstrate the context of how nuclear fits into the larger context of energy, climate change and our choices for the future of electricity.
Learning Outcomes
Students will be able to:
Each credit equates to 10 hours of total student input. For example a 20 credit unit will take you 200 hours of study to complete. Your total learning time is made up of contact time, directed learning tasks, independent learning and assessment activity.
Students will learn from lecture content delivered by University of Bristol lecturers, as well as asynchronous video content that emphasises key learning outcomes. They will also have problems classes and interactive sessions with the opportunity to practice mathematical problems and ask questions about the content of the course. A workshop session will be provided on the first assessement to teach students best practice for academic writing and give students advice on picking their essay topic. A second workshop session will provide feedback on their essays and mathematical problems ahead of the final exam.
Tasks which help you learn and prepare you for summative tasks (formative):
The student will receive feedback on developing essay structure, technical detail, numeracy and scientific writing style, as well as support towards mathematical work during problems classes.
Tasks which count towards your unit mark (summative):
Assessment 1 - a 2000 word essay (30%):
The students will write a 2000 word essay at the midpoint of the course that investigates the context of the course material, asking fundamental questions about how nuclear energy is used in society. This should be an open ended exploration of a research question rather than just a literature review (e.g. titles such as 'should we use geological disposal for nuclear waste', 'will fusion become a major contributor to energy generation', 'should we use nuclear for shipping', etc).
Assessment 2 - Exam (70%):
Students will undertake a final written exam that will contain mathematical questions probing the physics of nuclear interactons within a reactor as well as written answers on the broader nuclear fuel cycle and industry.
When assessment does not go to plan
Students will have the opportunity to resit the exam and retake the essay in the event they do not pass the first attempt.
If this unit has a Resource List, you will normally find a link to it in the Blackboard area for the unit. Sometimes there will be a separate link for each weekly topic.
If you are unable to access a list through Blackboard, you can also find it via the Resource Lists homepage. Search for the list by the unit name or code (e.g. PHYSM0046).
How much time the unit requires
Each credit equates to 10 hours of total student input. For example a 20 credit unit will take you 200 hours
of study to complete. Your total learning time is made up of contact time, directed learning tasks,
independent learning and assessment activity.
See the University Workload statement relating to this unit for more information.
Assessment
The Board of Examiners will consider all cases where students have failed or not completed the assessments required for credit.
The Board considers each student's outcomes across all the units which contribute to each year's programme of study. For appropriate assessments, if you have self-certificated your absence, you will normally be required to complete it the next time it runs (for assessments at the end of TB1 and TB2 this is usually in the next re-assessment period).
The Board of Examiners will take into account any exceptional circumstances and operates
within the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.
