Course in Radiological Soil Characterisation Techniques
Online course of 300 h in radiological soil characterisation techniques. 6 modules covering MARSSIM (NUREG-1575), ISO 18589 (measurement of radioactivity in soil) and RESRAD-ONSITE. Assigned tutor and open enrolment.
Take the controls.
Run a real engineering trade-off from this field. Move the sliders, watch the model react in real time and beat the challenge.
What you will be able to do
Design soil sampling plans in line with MARSSIM.
Apply in situ and laboratory measurement techniques.
Interpret gamma spectra and detection limits according to ISO 11929.
Apply geostatistics to contamination mapping.
Assess residual doses with RESRAD.
Apply site release criteria.
Prepare a radiological characterisation report.
Who it's for
- Radiological characterisation technician wishing to specialise in radiological soil characterisation techniques.
- Environmental restoration engineer wishing to specialise in radiological soil characterisation techniques.
- Radioactivity laboratory analyst wishing to specialise in radiological soil characterisation techniques.
- Radiation protection technician wishing to specialise in radiological soil characterisation techniques.
- Environmental geologist wishing to specialise in radiological soil characterisation techniques.
- Decommissioning consultant wishing to specialise in radiological soil characterisation techniques.
- Graduates in engineering or sciences seeking to enter facility decommissioning.
What you'll work with
- MARSSIM (NUREG-1575)
- ISO 18589 (measurement of radioactivity in soil)
- ISO 11929 (characteristic limits for radiation measurements)
- IAEA GSR Part 6 (decommissioning)
- ISO 20042 (gamma spectrometry)
- IAEA WS-G-5.1 (release of sites from regulatory control)
- ISO/IEC 17025 (laboratory competence)
6 modules · 300 h
1.1Origin of radiological contamination of land1.2Nuclear fuel cycle and industrial legacy sites1.3Accidents, discharges and atmospheric deposition1.4Natural materials concentrated by industry1.5Characterisation objectives: diagnosis, design and release1.6Release criteria and exemption levels1.7Regulatory framework for affected sites1.8Stakeholders and future land use1.9Stages of a characterisation project1.10Exercise: define the objectives of a real case
2.1Gathering historical site information2.2Site conceptual model2.3Zoning by contamination probability2.4Systematic and random sampling design2.5Design based on statistical decision objectives2.6Number of samples and decision power2.7Sampling depth and vertical profiles2.8Background reference points2.9Plan documentation and quality control2.10Practice: design a sampling grid
3.1Surface scanning with scintillation detectors3.2Georeferenced systems and continuous mapping3.3In situ gamma spectrometry3.4Vehicle-mounted and airborne equipment3.5Detection of beta and alpha emitters at the surface3.6Measurement of radon exhalation from soil3.7Boreholes, trial pits and cores3.8Achievable field detection limits3.9Data recording and position traceability3.10Practice: survey campaign of a plot
4.1Soil sample preparation and homogenisation4.2Laboratory gamma spectrometry4.3Determination of alpha and beta emitters4.4Analysis of isotopes of interest and radiochemistry4.5Minimum detectable activity and quality control4.6Statistical treatment of results4.7Geostatistics and map interpolation4.8Treatment of non-detected and extreme values4.9Estimation of the affected volume4.10Practice: build an activity map
5.1Comparison with release criteria5.2Dose calculation for land-use scenarios5.3Remediation options: excavation, capping and containment5.4Soil decontamination techniques5.5Management and volume of waste generated5.6Cost-benefit analysis of the option5.7Final verification characterisation5.8Report for the authority and closure declaration5.9Post-closure monitoring and use restrictions5.10Practice: decide and justify an option
6.1Choice of site and its history6.2Conceptual model and zoning6.3Sampling and field measurement plan6.4Laboratory analytical programme6.5Data processing and maps6.6Dose assessment by land-use scenario6.7Remediation and verification proposal6.8Budget and schedule6.9Characterisation report6.10Project defence
How you'll learn
Training 100 % online on the SEIUM campus, with downloadable material, recorded classes and assigned technical tutor. No fixed timetables: the student progresses at their own pace within the intake, which makes it compatible with work.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is RESRAD-ONSITE, Visual Sample Plan, Mirion Genie 2000, QGIS, R (gstat), in free, academic or evaluation versions. Tests are studied on real soil sampling and gamma spectrometry procedures, surface radiological surveys, and geostatistical analysis of contamination. Assessment is continuous by module plus the final integrating project.
Build it end to end
Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.
Design soil sampling plans in line with MARSSIM.
Apply in situ and laboratory measurement techniques.
Interpret gamma spectra and detection limits according to ISO 11929.
Apply geostatistics to contamination mapping.
Assess residual doses with RESRAD.
Where this takes you
Requirements
- No prior degree required.
- Internet connection and a computer capable of running the programme's software.
- Sufficient Spanish to follow technical regulatory reading.
Ready to start?
Send your application today. Our admissions team replies within 72 hours with your study plan and funding options.
Frequently asked questions
The programme totals 300 hours spread over 3 to 5 months. That is an average of 10 to 15 hours per week, compatible with a full-time job.
The course works with RESRAD-ONSITE, Visual Sample Plan, Mirion Genie 2000, QGIS, R (gstat). Free, academic or evaluation versions are used, and the tutor indicates the free alternative where one exists.
An in-house SEIUM diploma upon passing the continuous assessment and the integrating project. It is in-house training, not an official Ministry title.
Yes. Modules passed in a course or postgraduate diploma in the same area are recognised towards the advanced programme. Check the recognition policy when you enrol.
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