TITLE: Nuclear Engineering
INSTRUCTORS: TBD
CREDIT HOURS: 3
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
Nuclear Engineering is a broad field that investigates applications of radiation and nuclear science to solve pressing societal challenges. It plays a vital role in energy production through both nuclear fission (with the current fleet of light water reactors and the future fleet of advanced reactors) and advancing the promise of nuclear fusion. The discipline also supports national and global security through nuclear
nonproliferation, safeguards, and detection technologies that limit the spread of nuclear materials and ensure peaceful use both domestically and internationally. In medicine, nuclear engineering enables lifesaving diagnostic and therapeutic techniques, including medical imaging and targeted radiotherapy. Together, these areas demonstrate the field’s impact on clean energy, public safety, and human health, underscoring its importance in addressing 21st-century needs.
The course provides an understanding of foundational concepts that underpin nuclear engineering across a variety of applications. The course also introduces students to the range of career opportunities in nuclear science and technology, including energy production, nuclear security, and nuclear medicine. Students will explore topics in each of the major pillars of nuclear engineering practice through exercises, demonstrations, and group projects.
Practitioners from across the nuclear industry in Tennessee may visit to introduce students to breadth of the growing Tennessee nuclear industry.
STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES
After completing this course, students will:
• Understand and explain foundational concepts in nuclear engineering
• Explore applications of nuclear science in energy production, nuclear security, and medicine
• Give examples of career opportunities across the nuclear industry
COURSE REQUIREMENTS/PROFICIENCY EXAMINATION
Grades will be based on weekly assignments and a poster presentation at the end of the course.