Course in Uncertainty Analysis in Nuclear Simulation
Online 300-hour course in uncertainty analysis in nuclear simulation. 6 modules covering NRC RG 1.203 (transient and accident analysis methods, EMDAP), NRC RG 1.157 (ECCS best-estimate calculations) and DAKOTA. Assigned tutor and enrolment open.
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
Identify the sources of uncertainty in nuclear models and data.
Apply statistical propagation methods such as Monte Carlo and Wilks.
Quantify uncertainty in neutronics calculations derived from nuclear data.
Evaluate uncertainty in thermal-hydraulic simulations of transients.
Carry out local and global sensitivity analyses.
Integrate the BEPU methodology into a safety analysis.
Document uncertainty results in accordance with regulatory guides.
Who it's for
- Uncertainty analyst in nuclear simulation who wants to specialise in Uncertainty Analysis in Nuclear Simulation.
- BEPU safety analysis engineer who wants to specialise in Uncertainty Analysis in Nuclear Simulation.
- Specialist in code verification and validation who wants to specialise in Uncertainty Analysis in Nuclear Simulation.
- Neutronics engineer who wants to specialise in Uncertainty Analysis in Nuclear Simulation.
- Thermal-hydraulics engineer who wants to specialise in Uncertainty Analysis in Nuclear Simulation.
- Researcher in uncertainty quantification who wants to specialise in Uncertainty Analysis in Nuclear Simulation.
- Graduates in engineering or science seeking to enter nuclear power plants.
What you'll work with
- NRC RG 1.203 (transient and accident analysis methods, EMDAP)
- NRC RG 1.157 (ECCS best-estimate calculations)
- IAEA SSG-2 (deterministic safety analysis)
- 10 CFR 50.46 (ECCS acceptance criteria)
- ASME V&V 20 (verification and validation in CFD and heat transfer)
- IAEA GSR Part 4 (safety assessment of facilities)
6 modules · 300 h
1.1Aleatory versus epistemic uncertainty1.2Sources: nuclear data, models and geometry1.3Propagation versus sensitivity1.4BEPU versus conservative approach1.5Verification, validation and uncertainty quantification (VVUQ)1.6NRC Regulatory Guide 1.2031.7CSAU methodology1.8Input probability distributions1.9Expert judgement and elicitation1.10Workshop: identifying uncertainties in a transient
2.1Simple Monte Carlo sampling2.2Latin Hypercube Sampling2.3Wilks' formula and 95/95 tolerance2.4Order statistics2.5Perturbation methods2.6Polynomial chaos expansion2.7Surrogate models and kriging2.8Bayesian methods2.9Convergence and number of samples2.10Practice: applying Wilks' formula
3.1Covariance matrices of nuclear data3.2ENDF/B-VIII and JEFF-3.3 libraries3.3Generalised perturbation theory3.4SCALE's SAMPLER tool3.5Total Monte Carlo method3.6Uncertainty in keff and reactivity3.7Propagation in burn-up calculations3.8OECD/NEA UAM benchmark3.9Data adjustment with integral experiments3.10Laboratory: keff uncertainty with SCALE
4.1Uncertain parameters in system codes4.2Heat transfer correlations4.3OECD BEMUSE programme4.4PREMIUM project on inverse quantification4.5DAKOTA and URANIE tools4.6GRS method with SUSA4.7Peak cladding temperature and margins4.8Effect of nodalisation and user4.9Validation with integral test facilities4.10Case study: large LOCA with the BEPU method
5.1Pearson and Spearman correlation coefficients5.2Sobol indices5.3Morris method5.4Parameter importance analysis5.5Dimensionality reduction5.6Visualisation of results5.7Communicating uncertainties to the regulator5.8Safety margins and acceptance5.9Multiphysics coupling of uncertainties5.10Practice: Sobol indices in a thermal model
6.1Scenario selection and figure of merit6.2Identification of uncertain parameters6.3Assignment of distributions6.4Sampling design6.5Execution of calculations6.6Statistical analysis 95/956.7Sensitivity analysis6.8Conclusions on margins6.9Report and presentation6.10Final review with the tutor
How you'll learn
100 % online training on the SEIUM campus, with downloadable material, recorded classes and an assigned technical tutor. No fixed timetables: students progress at their own pace within the enrolment period, which makes it compatible with work.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is DAKOTA, SUSA (GRS), RAVEN (INL), SCALE (Sampler/TSUNAMI), Python (SALib), in free, academic or evaluation versions. The tests are studied using real procedures from Monte Carlo propagation campaigns, global sensitivity analysis of transients, and comparison with experimental databases. Assessment is continuous per 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.
Identify the sources of uncertainty in nuclear models and data.
Apply statistical propagation methods such as Monte Carlo and Wilks.
Quantify uncertainty in neutronics calculations derived from nuclear data.
Evaluate uncertainty in thermal-hydraulic simulations of transients.
Carry out local and global sensitivity analyses.
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 between 10 and 15 hours a week on average, compatible with full-time work.
You will work with DAKOTA, SUSA (GRS), RAVEN (INL), SCALE (Sampler/TSUNAMI), Python (SALib). Free, academic or evaluation versions are used, and the tutor indicates the free alternative where one exists.
An SEIUM own diploma upon passing the continuous assessment and the integrating project. It is in-house training, not an official Ministry qualification.
Yes. Modules passed in a course or postgraduate diploma in the same area are credited towards the higher programme. Check the recognition policy when you enrol.
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