Course on Ethics of Human-in-the-Loop in Nuclear Systems
Online course of 300 h in Ethics of Human-in-the-Loop in Nuclear Systems. 6 modules covering NUREG-0711 (human factors engineering review model), IAEA SSG-51 (human factors engineering in the design of nuclear power plants) and SAPHIRE. Dedicated tutor and enrolment open.
Take the controls.
Run a real engineering trade-off from this programme. Move the sliders, watch the model react in real time and beat the challenge.
What you will be able to do
Explain the role of human control in the safe operation of nuclear facilities.
Apply human factors engineering principles to control room design.
Analyse human reliability in highly automated environments.
Evaluate the ethical risks of AI-based decision support systems.
Define criteria for allocating functions between people and machines.
Assess professional responsibility and safety culture in automation.
Design a system with meaningful human oversight for a nuclear application.
Who it's for
- Human factors engineer looking to specialise in Ethics of Human-in-the-Loop in Nuclear Systems.
- Human reliability specialist looking to specialise in Ethics of Human-in-the-Loop in Nuclear Systems.
- Nuclear instrumentation and control engineer looking to specialise in Ethics of Human-in-the-Loop in Nuclear Systems.
- Control room interface designer looking to specialise in Ethics of Human-in-the-Loop in Nuclear Systems.
- Safety analyst for automated systems looking to specialise in Ethics of Human-in-the-Loop in Nuclear Systems.
- Operator trainer looking to specialise in Ethics of Human-in-the-Loop in Nuclear Systems.
- Engineering or science graduates looking to move into nuclear power generation.
What you'll work with
- NUREG-0711 (human factors engineering review model)
- IAEA SSG-51 (human factors engineering in the design of nuclear power plants)
- IEC 60964 (design of nuclear power plant control rooms)
- ISO 11064 (ergonomic design of control centres)
- NUREG-0700 (human-system interface design review guidelines)
- Regulation (EU) 2024/1689 (artificial intelligence)
- IEEE 7000-2021 (ethical considerations in system design)
- IEC 61226 (categorisation of instrumentation and control functions)
6 modules · 300 h
1.1Sheridan and Verplank levels of automation1.2Human-in-the-loop, on-the-loop and out-of-the-loop1.3Evolution from analogue to digital control rooms1.4Reactor protection systems and automatic actions1.5The 30-minute rule without operator action1.6The operator's role in design-basis accidents1.7Three Mile Island lessons on the human interface1.8Human factors at Chernobyl and Fukushima1.9Meaningful human control as an ethical principle1.10Case study: allocation of functions in a control room
2.1NUREG-0711: human factors engineering programme2.2Function analysis and allocation2.3Task and workload analysis2.4Situation awareness and Endsley's model2.5Interface design according to NUREG-07002.6Integrated system validation2.7IEC 60964 and control room design2.8IAEA SSG-51 standards on human factors2.9Minimum staffing and reduced-crew operation2.10Practice: task analysis of a start-up manoeuvre
3.1HRA methods: THERP, SPAR-H and ATHEANA3.2Human error: Reason's taxonomy3.3Automation bias and complacency3.4Skill degradation due to automation3.5Bainbridge's ironies of automation3.6Calibrated trust in automated systems3.7Transparency and explainability of automation3.8Alarms: flooding and prioritisation3.9Fatigue and shift management3.10Lab: SPAR-H estimation of an operator error
4.1AI-based operator support systems4.2Automatic transient diagnosis4.3Final authority: operator or system4.4Accountability for erroneous recommendations4.5Licensing of digital software: IEEE 7-4.3.2 and IEC 608804.6Verification and validation of learning algorithms4.7Autonomous microreactors and remote operation4.8Supervision of multiple SMRs by one operator4.9The ethics of progressively replacing the operator4.10Case study: an AI assistant during a transient
5.1Moral responsibility in sociotechnical systems5.2The responsibility gap in automation5.3Safety culture and a questioning attitude5.4The operator's authority to shut down the plant5.5Full-scope simulator training5.6Operator licences and regulatory requirements5.7Teamwork and communication in the control room5.8Operator well-being and stress5.9Operator involvement in design5.10Workshop: a meaningful human control protocol
6.1Selecting the system or function to automate6.2Function analysis and allocation6.3Identification of ethical and reliability risks6.4Design of the interface and decision points6.5Validation plan with operators6.6Accountability and traceability framework6.7Regulatory recommendations6.8Summary of conclusions6.9Report and presentation6.10Final review with the tutor
How you'll learn
100% online training on the SEIUM campus, with downloadable materials, recorded classes and a dedicated technical tutor. No fixed timetable: students progress at their own pace within the intake period, making it easy to combine with work.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standards and applied exercises. The software used is SAPHIRE, MATLAB/Simulink, Jack (Siemens), Python (scikit-learn), in free, academic or trial versions. Testing is studied through real procedures from interface evaluation in a control room simulator, human reliability analysis, review of human-machine function allocation. Assessment is continuous for each module, plus a final capstone project.
Build it end to end
Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.
Explain the role of human control in the safe operation of nuclear facilities.
Apply human factors engineering principles to control room design.
Analyse human reliability in highly automated environments.
Evaluate the ethical risks of AI-based decision support systems.
Define criteria for allocating functions between people and machines.
Where this takes you
Requirements
- No previous qualification is required.
- An internet connection and a computer able to run the programme software.
- A level of English sufficient to read technical standards.
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.
You will work with SAPHIRE, MATLAB/Simulink, Jack (Siemens), Python (scikit-learn). Free, academic or trial versions are used, and your tutor will point out a free alternative where one exists.
A SEIUM Institute diploma, awarded on passing the continuous assessment and the capstone project. It is SEIUM's own qualification, not an official state-accredited degree.
Yes. Modules passed in a course or postgraduate diploma in the same area are recognised in the higher programme. Check the credit recognition policy when you enrol.
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