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CourseNuclear Engineering & Nuclear Fuel Cycle Technologies Applications open

Course in Reactor Physics Fundamentals

300-hour online course in reactor physics fundamentals. 6 modules covering ANSI/ANS-19.6.1 (start-up physics tests after PWR refuelling outages), ANSI/ANS-8.1 (criticality safety outside reactors) and OpenMC. Assigned tutor and open enrolment.

Duration300 h
ModeOnline
Start datesSet by the faculty
AwardSEIUM Institute certificate
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Learning outcomes

What you will be able to do

01

Describe neutron interactions with matter relevant to reactors.

02

Explain the chain reaction and calculate the multiplication factor.

03

Solve the neutron diffusion equation in simple geometries.

04

Apply point kinetics equations to reactivity changes.

05

Analyse power distribution and core operation.

06

Use Monte Carlo codes for criticality calculations.

07

Perform the neutronic calculation of a simplified reactor.

Profile

Who it's for

  • Reactor physics engineer who wants to specialise in Reactor Physics Fundamentals.
  • Core design engineer who wants to specialise in Reactor Physics Fundamentals.
  • Neutronics analyst who wants to specialise in Reactor Physics Fundamentals.
  • Criticality safety engineer who wants to specialise in Reactor Physics Fundamentals.
  • Power plant operations engineer who wants to specialise in Reactor Physics Fundamentals.
  • Nuclear engineering researcher who wants to specialise in Reactor Physics Fundamentals.
  • Engineering or science graduates seeking to enter nuclear power generation.
Standards & tools

What you'll work with

  • ANSI/ANS-19.6.1 (start-up physics tests after PWR refuelling outages)
  • ANSI/ANS-8.1 (criticality safety outside reactors)
  • IAEA SSG-52 (reactor core design)
  • ANSI/ANS-19.3 (reaction rate and reactivity distributions)
  • 10 CFR 50, Appendix A (general design criteria)
  • ANSI/ANS-10.4 (verification and validation of scientific software)
  • IAEA SSR-2/1 (Rev. 1) (safety of nuclear power plants: design)
Syllabus

6 modules · 300 h

  1. 1.1Nuclear structure and binding energy
  2. 1.2Nuclear fission: mechanism and energy released
  3. 1.3Fission products and their distribution
  4. 1.4Prompt and delayed neutrons
  5. 1.5Watt fission spectrum
  6. 1.6Neutron-nucleus interactions
  7. 1.7Microscopic and macroscopic cross sections
  8. 1.8Resonances and Doppler effect
  9. 1.9Nuclear data libraries
  10. 1.10Practice: calculation of macroscopic cross sections
  1. 2.1Multiplication factor
  2. 2.2Four-factor formula
  3. 2.3Six-factor formula
  4. 2.4Neutron leakage
  5. 2.5Moderation and lethargy
  6. 2.6Moderators: water, heavy water and graphite
  7. 2.7Neutron thermalisation
  8. 2.8Thermal utilisation factor
  9. 2.9Resonance escape probability
  10. 2.10Laboratory: calculation of the infinite multiplication factor (k-infinity) of a fuel cell
  1. 3.1Fick's law for neutrons
  2. 3.2Single-group diffusion equation
  3. 3.3Boundary conditions and extrapolation length
  4. 3.4Diffusion length
  5. 3.5Bare reactor: slab, cylinder and sphere
  6. 3.6Geometric and material buckling
  7. 3.7Reflectors and reflector savings
  8. 3.8Two-group diffusion theory
  9. 3.9Numerical solution by finite differences
  10. 3.10Laboratory: numerical solution of the diffusion equation
  1. 4.1Point kinetics equations
  2. 4.2Delayed neutron groups
  3. 4.3Reactivity and units: pcm and dollars
  4. 4.4Reactor period
  5. 4.5Inhour equation
  6. 4.6Prompt jump
  7. 4.7Reactivity excursions
  8. 4.8Negative temperature reactivity
  9. 4.9Subcritical source and multiplication
  10. 4.10Laboratory: point kinetics simulation in Python
  1. 5.1Reactivity coefficients: fuel, moderator and void
  2. 5.2Xenon-135 poisoning
  3. 5.3Xenon oscillations
  4. 5.4Samarium-149
  5. 5.5Control with rods and boron
  6. 5.6Burnable poisons
  7. 5.7Fuel burn-up and isotopic evolution
  8. 5.8Power distribution and peaking factors
  9. 5.9Decay heat
  10. 5.10Case study: xenon transient after a shutdown
  1. 6.1Definition of the study reactor
  2. 6.2Fuel cell calculation
  3. 6.3Core criticality calculation
  4. 6.4Analysis of reactivity coefficients
  5. 6.5Transient simulation
  6. 6.6Poisoning evaluation
  7. 6.7Discussion of results
  8. 6.8Project synthesis
  9. 6.9Report and presentation
  10. 6.10Final review with the tutor
Methodology, software & labs

How you'll learn

100% online training on the SEIUM campus, with downloadable material, recorded classes and assigned technical tutor. No fixed timetable: students progress at their own pace within the intake, making it possible to combine study with work.

Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is OpenMC, Serpent, MCNP, CASMO/SIMULATE, Python (NumPy), in free, academic or evaluation versions. Tests are studied using real procedures for criticality calculation of a fuel cell, numerical solution of the diffusion equation and point kinetics simulation. Assessment is continuous per module, plus the final integrative project.

Accreditable laboratories(EN ISO/IEC 17025) with rotor rig, EMC/Lightning pre-compliance, HIL/SIL, vibration/acoustics.
Evidence-driven final project:safety case, test plan, compliance dossier and operating limits.
Industry mentoring:lecturers with experience in training, , eVTOL/UAM and flight test.
Flexible format(hybrid/online), international cohorts and support from SEIUM Career Services.
Ethics and safety:safety-by-design approach, OT cyber security, DIH and compliance as core pillars.
Capstone project

Build it end to end

Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.

Definition of the study reactor

Describe neutron interactions with matter relevant to reactors.

Fuel cell calculation

Explain the chain reaction and calculate the multiplication factor.

Core criticality calculation

Solve the neutron diffusion equation in simple geometries.

Analysis of reactivity coefficients

Apply point kinetics equations to reactivity changes.

Transient simulation

Analyse power distribution and core operation.

Career opportunities

Where this takes you

Reactor physics engineerCore design engineerNeutronics analystCriticality safety engineerPower plant operations engineerNuclear engineering researcher
Admissions & scholarships

Requirements

  • No prior degree required.
  • Internet connection and a computer capable of running the programme's software.
  • Sufficient level of Spanish to follow reading of technical standards.

Ready to start?

Send your application today. Our admissions team replies within 72 hours with your study plan and funding options.

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FAQ

Frequently asked questions

The programme totals 300 hours spread over 3 to 5 months. That is between 10 and 15 hours per week on average, compatible with a full-time job.

You will work with OpenMC, Serpent, MCNP, CASMO/SIMULATE, Python (NumPy). Free, academic or evaluation versions are used, and the tutor indicates the free alternative where one exists.

A SEIUM own diploma upon passing the continuous assessment and the integrative project. It is in-house training, not an official qualification from the Ministry.

Yes. Modules passed in a course or postgraduate diploma in the same area are recognised in the higher programme. Check the recognition policy when you enrol.

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