Educational programme

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Definition

Educational programme is A set of organized and purposeful learning experiences with a minimum duration of one school-year (or academic year), usually offered in an educational institution Source: Nuclear engineering education: A competence-based approach in curricula development

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Description

University programmes in nuclear engineering

Engineering education has been offered for many decades along several different tracks. One approach is to have two levels in the academic education: the Bachelor’s, or undergraduate degree, based on approximately three to four years of study at the university level and a more advanced degree, the Master’s, which involves one or two years of study beyond the Bachelor’s. Another approach that has been widely used, especially in Europe, is the Diploma. It typically involves five years of study. A third approach is the Engineer degree consisting of five to six years of study. This has been the tradition in, for example, France, Russian Federation and the Ukraine. This picture is, however, changing. In June 1999, the Ministers of Education in the European Union entered into the Bologna Process (The Bologna Process is a series of ministerial meetings and agreements between European countries designed to ensure comparability in the standards and quality of higher education qualifications. Visit [1] for more details). This has led to the adoption of the Bachelor’s and Master’s degree programmes at most European universities, which replace the Diploma or the Engineer degree. France focuses the nuclear engineering education either at the Engineer degree (five years usually, six years in some instances) within its specific ‘Grandes Ecoles’ approach, or as a Master’s degree (five years) in harmony with the Bologna Process. Russian Federation is taking a two-tier approach in which the Bachelor’s/Master’s programmes will be implemented. This is a key part of the strategy for international engagement. However, the degree of Engineer will be retained in Russian Federation and Ukraine to satisfy the needs of the domestic industry.

Engineering education is country and region dependent. There is no unique model and it is important to adapt pragmatically to the educational, institutional and industrial framework. However, in this report, it is important to specify that the Bachelor’s level can be reached after three to four years, and the Master’s level requires one or two additional years. This amount of time is necessary to acquire the qualifications listed and to become a competent engineer with the required industrial background.

This report deals with the common curriculum requirements resulting from a competence- based approach for the Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in nuclear engineering, applying to all nuclear application but focusing mainly on nuclear power. The expectations of degree recipients at each level are the following:

• On completion of a Bachelor’s degree level qualification, it is expected that the student will have comprehension and knowledge of nuclear engineering systems and will be able to solve problems and determine technical solutions for real processes;
• On completion of a Master’s degree level qualification, it is expected that the student will be able to analyse, synthesize and evaluate knowledge gained, and apply this knowledge to nuclear power plant systems.

Beyond these expectations, it is further recognized that there are a set of specific outcomes that should result from the completion of the curriculum. At the Master’s degree level (or Engineer’s degree), graduates should be able to demonstrate the following:

• Identify, assess, formulate and solve complex nuclear engineering problems creatively and innovatively;
• Apply advanced mathematics, science and engineering from first principles to solve complex nuclear engineering problems;
• Design and conduct advanced investigations and experiments;
• Use appropriate advanced engineering methods, skills and tools, including those based on information technology;
• Communicate effectively and authoritatively at a professional level, both orally and in writing, with engineering audiences and the community at large, including outreach;
• Work effectively as an individual, in teams and in complex, multidisciplinary and multicultural environments;
• Have a critical awareness of, and diligent responsiveness to, the impact of nuclear engineering activity on the social, industrial and physical environment with due cognisance to public health and safety.

In terms of specific technical areas, the Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in nuclear engineering bring together a number of key areas that are integrated into a nuclear engineering academic degree programme. This scope is depicted in Figure 2.

FIG. 2. Scope of nuclear engineering academic programmes (Adapted from the Nuclear Engineering Programme data, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, UAE).

The areas shown in the Figure 2 generally represent the key fields of study required to prepare a nuclear engineer for employment in a nuclear power plant. For the nuclear engineer, it is important that these topics are well integrated together to produce a well-prepared graduate who can enter into the training programmes for a specific nuclear power plant and reach the required level of competence to successfully carry out his or her responsibilities for safe, secure and economical operation.

For universities developing new programmes, a more detailed description is useful. In the two following sections, the competencies are defined at both Bachelor’s and Master’s degree levels with the focus on those who will specifically be employed at nuclear power plants. In addition, requirements of the graduate are given in more detail, and involve what each student should possess: a specified level of knowledge (Knowledge), be able to demonstrate - application of the knowledge (Demonstration), and know when to implement the knowledge (Implementation). This can be represented as a ‘knowledge ladder’ (see Figure 3).

FIG. 3. The knowledge ladder.

Competencies of graduates with a bachelor of nuclear engineering

It should be understood that having a good knowledge of basics in maths, physics, and chemistry is a prerequisite to perform well in a nuclear engineering education programme.

The graduate with the qualification (degree) of Bachelor of Nuclear Engineering for nuclear installations must have the competencies shown below. These are divided into two categories. General competencies describe those basic and fundamental areas in which all engineers should have capabilities. Specific competencies are more directed to the field of nuclear engineering.

The graduates must have the following abilities:

General competencies

• BC-I Perform written and informal communications and reports in their national language and possibly English.
• BC-II Work effectively as part of a team, and to sustain creative collaboration with their colleagues.
• BC-III Work independently within the framework of their professional qualifications, and have a commitment to professional development throughout their career.
• BC-IV Understand the basic laws of natural sciences including classical physics, chemistry, atomic and nuclear physics.
• BC-V Understand the basic approaches for acquiring, storing and processing knowledge, information and data; be familiar with standard computer code packages, including computer-aided graphics and design.

Specific competencies

• BC-VI Conduct mathematical analysis and numerical simulation, and theoretical and experimental investigations in nuclear engineering.
• BC-VII Conduct mathematical simulation of processes in components of nuclear power plants; apply standard methods and computer codes for design and analysis.
• BC-VIII Perform radiation protection and measurement experiments, and analyse resulting experimental data.
• BC-IX Have a commitment to safety and an understanding of safety culture (including for example, risk analysis and management, human factor engineering, and man-machine interface).
• BC-X Understand the regulatory process and the role of the regulator in power plant licensing and operation.
• BC-XI Participate in the design process of the principal system and components of nuclear power plants or other nuclear facilities, accounting for environmental and safety requirements, and incorporating new requirements and technologies.

Requirements for a graduate with a bachelor's degree in nuclear engineering

Upon completion of the degree of Bachelor of Nuclear Engineering for nuclear installations, the student must know the following (Knowledge), be able to demonstrate application of the knowledge (Demonstration), and know when to implement the knowledge (Implementation):

Knowledge

• B1.1 Basics of analytical geometry and linear algebra, differential and integral calculus, probability and statistics, vector analysis, basics of differential equations and partial differential equation systems.
• B1.2 Basics of mechanics, oscillations and waves, thermodynamics, electrical and magnetic phenomena, statistical physics, physics of the atomic nucleus, and optics.
• B1.3 Neutron transport theory, thermal hydraulics, applications of computer code systems for mathematical simulation of thermo-physical and neutronics analysis.
• B1.4 Basic laws of heat and mass exchange in power equipment units of nuclear power plants, requirements for heat transfer and heat removal systems, thermo-physical processes in heat exchangers.
• B1.5 Thermodynamic principles, types and operation of steam turbines, calculation of efficiency, reliability, operation and maintenance.
• B1.6 Materials properties, strength of materials, and materials requirements for nuclear power plants.
• B1.7 Numerical analysis of power reactors, reactor materials, the principal parameters associated with nuclear power plant operation, research and power reactors, and the basic dynamics of nuclear reactors.
• B1.8 The general role of control systems in nuclear reactors. Linear control systems. Operation of control rods, and burnable and soluble poisons.
• B1.9 The classifications of nuclear power plants, the main components including coolant loops, steam generators, steam turbines, the main reactor coolant circuitry and auxiliary systems.
• B1.10 Reliability and safety of nuclear power plant operation, understanding plants as a component of a regional or national electricity grid.
• B1.11 The main parts of the nuclear fuel cycle. The open and closed fuel cycles. Radioactive wastes, categories of waste, and treatment options, conditioning, reprocessing and final disposal.
• B1.12 Basic principles of radiation protection. Methods for detecting ionizing

radiation. Hazards of radioactive materials. Concepts and definitions of radiation and dose units. Short term and long term biological effects of ionizing radiation. ALARA principles.

• B1.13 The regulatory environment for the operation of nuclear power plants. The role of the regulator. Responsibilities of nuclear power plant staff for safety.
• B1.14 Risks from the diversion of nuclear materials, the basic principles of nuclear safeguards. The Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty and international agreements. The role of the International Atomic Energy Agency and other international organizations.

Demonstration

• B2.1 Through examination, conduct analysis of technical and scientific problems, to reach relevant and accurate conclusions based on the analysis.
• B2.2 Solve problems for real processes and determine technical solutions using current computational resources.
• B2.3 Develop designs for new applications utilizing fundamental scientific, mathematical and engineering principles.

Implementation

• B3.1 Analytical and numerical methodologies for analysis of reactor physics, thermal hydraulic and electric systems for analysing boundary-value problems.
• B3.2 Methodologies for planning and conducting experiments, and evaluating experimental errors.
• B3.3 Technical documents and publications, handbooks and other information resources.
• B3.4 Utilization of computing techniques to solve special problems.
• B3.5 Ability to design nuclear power plant systems including neutronics and core analysis, and heat transport electrical generation systems.
• B3.6 Methodologies for ensuring the environmental safety of nuclear facilities.

Competencies of graduates with a master of nuclear engineering

The expectations and requirements for the graduates holding the Master’s degree are higher than for the Bachelor’s degree. This is in terms of both the depth and the breadth. For example, the schematic for the Master’s degree is shown in Figure 4.

FIG. 4. Master’s Degree schematic.

The purpose of this diagram is to highlight the fact that at the Master’s level, the graduate should be able to integrate experimentation, computation and synthesis. This is key for the higher expectations of an individual holding the Master’s degree.

As with the Bachelor’s degree, a more detailed listing for the Master’s is given below.. If the academic curricula stop at Bachelor level, the employer has to complement the education with training providing the competencies at Master level if his/her job responsibilities require Masters level capability. In all cases, students who will be employed in nuclear installations will have to undertake plant specific training, the scope and depth of that training is depending on the scope and quality of the degree programme.

It should be noted that a student can take a Master’s of Nuclear Engineering course without holding a Bachelor’s degree in nuclear engineering. For example, a Bachelor of Science in Physics or a Bachelor of Engineering (electrical, chemical etc.) could be sufficient to comply with the admission criteria. In that case, the Master programme has to provide these students with specialized courses covering core themes such as reactor physics, nuclear thermal hydraulics, nuclear fuels and materials, nuclear structural engineering, nuclear safety, nuclear power plants and radiation, while avoiding duplication for students holding a Bachelor’s degree in Nuclear Engineering. The graduate with the qualification of Master of Nuclear Engineering for nuclear power plants must have the competencies shown below.

General competencies

• MC-I Written and spoken English in professional and international settings, employing technically advanced terminology used in the nuclear power industry.
• MC-II Work collaboratively within a team and to exercise effective leadership of that team with good management skills while working towards a well-defined goal.
• MC-III Work independently, identify new directions, and demonstrate decision making capabilities within their sphere of expertise, and to have a commitment to professional development through their career.

Specific competencies

• MC-IV Understand thoroughly the basic and advanced laws of atomic and nuclear physics, chemistry and the relevant engineering sciences applicable to nuclear power plant technology.
• MC-V Be able to perform advanced mathematical analysis and numerical simulation of the various physics and engineering processes and systems in a nuclear power plant.
• MC-VI Understand data acquisition, storage and processing using recognized and accepted computer codes in the nuclear industry.
• MC-VII Be able to perform theoretical, numerical and experimental methodologies for analysis of thermo-physical processes.
• MC-VIII Use reactor experiments to characterize the basic physics in a nuclear reactor, by understanding and analysing the resulting data.
• MC-IX Understand nuclear power plant systems, with all the principal components.
• MC-X Design relevant systems by synthesizing the collective knowledge gained in all relevant disciplines.
• MC-XI Be committed to safety and understand safety culture.
• MC-XII Understand the regulatory process, the role of the regulator in nuclear power plant licensing and operation, and the main regulatory requirements for a nuclear power plant.

Requirements for a graduate with a master of nuclear engineering

As noted above, the Master’s degree recipient is expected to have additional capabilities beyond the Bachelor’s degree. Upon completion of the degree of Master of Nuclear Engineering for nuclear power plants, the student must know the following (Knowledge), be able to demonstrate application of the knowledge (Demonstration), and know when to implement the knowledge (Implementation):

Knowledge

• M1.1 Advanced concepts of differential and integral calculus, probability theory and mathematical statistics, theory of functions of complex variables, vector and harmonic analysis, differential equations and partial differential equation systems, Green’s functions, and advanced mathematical analysis.
• M1.2 Electrical and magnetic phenomena, quantum mechanics and statistical physics, and physics of atomic nucleus.
• M1.3 Neutron transport theory and Monte Carlo analysis.
• M1.4 Basic elements of reactor experiments, approach to critical, measurement of reactor parameters, feedback mechanisms, analysis of data and the relationship to reactor theory.
• M1.5 Laws of heat and mass exchange, and the characterization of thermo physical processes in heat exchangers, steam generators and safety systems for heat removal in nuclear power plants.
• M1.6 Methods for detection of ionizing radiation, principles and design of radiation shielding, utilization of the ALARA principle and health effect of ionizing radiations.
• M1.7 Structural analysis of complex systems.
• M1.8 Use of information technology and numerical analyses, problem definition, and evaluation of results.
• M1.9 The various types of nuclear power plant systems, the principal components and their roles.
• M1.10 The role and importance of reactor safety, and the practices and procedures in a nuclear power plant to assure safe operation.
• M1.11 The components of the nuclear fuel cycle, the open and the closed fuel cycles, classifications of waste, handling, storage and disposal of the various types of radioactive waste, short-term and long-term biological effects of ionizing radiation.
• M1.12 Issues of nuclear non-proliferation, the role of safeguards, the Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty and international agreements, and role of the International Atomic Energy Agency.
• M1.13 Concepts of physical protection of nuclear installations, nuclear security applied to nuclear materials, radioactive sources and nuclear facilities.
• M1.14 Principles of project management, and the utilization of these principles in an industrial organization.
• M1.15 The role of the regulatory authority, and how regulations are implemented and followed in a nuclear power plant.
• M1.16 Awareness of the technical and regulatory literature relating to nuclear power plants and their operation, familiarity of how to access and evaluate reports and articles.

Demonstration

• M2.1 Draw from the technical literature and develop independent analyses for nuclear power plant technology related problems.
• M2.2 Calculate main characteristics of random values, to solve the problems as applied to any real processes.
• M2.3 Develop mathematical models of thermo physical and neutronic processes in nuclear power facilities.
• M2.4 Utilize recognized and accepted computer codes to determine technical solutions, and evaluate the validity of those solutions.
• M2.5 Develop designs for new technical devices with accounting for the requirements previously defined.
• M2.6 Carry out testing of the main components in nuclear power plants, and perform technical analysis of the operation of these components.
• M2.7 Develop the methodologies for safety upgrading of nuclear technologies.
• M2.8 Develop projects meeting technical requirements and standards as needed in a nuclear power plant.
• M2.9 To perform economic analyses for new procedures, systems or strategies that might be used in a nuclear power plant.
• M2.10 Develop management strategies for carrying out the mission of a nuclear power plant to generate electricity in a safe, economical and secure way.

Implementation

• M3.1 Design and implement the realization of new products or systems with applications to nuclear plant.
• M3.2 Design and implement the realization of new products or systems with application to radioprotection, nuclear safety, and nuclear security.
• M3.3 Design and realize new rules or processes for improving the management, the quality, the safety within a nuclear environment.
• M3.4 Technical English with usages and applications to a nuclear power plant and its associated technology.
• M3.5 Analytical and numerical methodologies for solving algebraic and differential equations, and processing of experimental data.
• M3.6 Methodologies for theoretical and numerical studies of thermo physical and neutronic processes.
• M3.7 Current computing techniques solving special problems. Standard computer code packages, various and finite-difference methodologies for solving second-order ordinary differential equations, and for the solution of boundary- value stationary problems, and the evaluation of experimental errors.
• M3.8 Methodologies for planning and conducting experiments, for fabrication of experimental installations, and for the organization of research and development studies.
• M3.10 Technical documents and publications, progress reports, handbooks and other information resources.
• M3.11 Methodologies for the design of components for nuclear power plants.
• M3.12 Project management skills to carry out collaborative efforts with other team members, for assessing the quality and efficiency of the personnel, and upgrading the personnel performance.
• M3.13 Organizational and managerial decision tools including knowledge management to achieve optimum outcomes with respect to quality, reliability, economy, safety and the protection of the environment.
• M3.14 Legislative and regulatory requirements for the safe and environmentally sound operation of a nuclear power plant.
• M3.15 Basic presentation and pedagogical skills.

References

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