Course on Fast vs Thermal Neutrons in Nuclear Design
300 h online course on fast vs thermal neutrons in nuclear design. 6 modules covering AIEA SSR-2/1 Rev.1 (safety of nuclear power plants: design), AIEA SSG-52 (reactor core design) and Serpent 2. 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
Explain the physics of neutron interaction according to energy.
Analyse moderation and the characteristics of the thermal spectrum.
Describe the fast spectrum and the concept of breeding.
Compare the implications of each spectrum for core design.
Evaluate reactivity coefficients and inherent safety in both cases.
Compare existing thermal and fast reactor technologies.
Develop a comparative spectral design project.
Who it's for
- Core design engineer who wants to specialise in fast vs thermal neutrons in nuclear design.
- Researcher in fourth-generation reactors who wants to specialise in fast vs thermal neutrons in nuclear design.
- Reactor physics analyst who wants to specialise in fast vs thermal neutrons in nuclear design.
- Fast reactor engineer who wants to specialise in fast vs thermal neutrons in nuclear design.
- Consultant in advanced nuclear technologies who wants to specialise in fast vs thermal neutrons in nuclear design.
- Fuel cycle engineer who wants to specialise in fast vs thermal neutrons in nuclear design.
- Graduates in engineering or science seeking to enter advanced reactor design.
What you'll work with
- AIEA SSR-2/1 Rev.1 (safety of nuclear power plants: design)
- AIEA SSG-52 (reactor core design)
- ASME BPVC Section III, Division 5 (high-temperature reactors)
- RCC-MRx (design code for research and advanced reactors)
- ANSI/ANS-8.1 (criticality safety outside reactors)
- 10 CFR 50, Appendix A (general design criteria)
6 modules · 300 h
1.1Microscopic and macroscopic cross sections1.2Energy dependence: 1/v region and resonances1.3Fission induced by thermal and fast neutrons1.4Eta factor and neutron yield per isotope1.5Watt fission spectrum1.6Elastic and inelastic scattering1.7ENDF/B and JEFF nuclear data libraries1.8Doppler broadening of resonances1.9Experimental measurement of cross sections1.10Practice: reading cross sections with JANIS
2.1Energy loss per collision and lethargy2.2Moderating power and moderating ratio2.3Light water, heavy water and graphite2.4Maxwell distribution and spectral hardening2.5Resonance escape probability2.6Four-factor formula2.7Moderator-to-fuel ratio and over-moderation2.8Moderator temperature coefficient2.9Thermalisation and chemical binding effects2.10Workshop: calculating the k-infinity of a PWR cell
3.1Absence of moderator and metallic coolants3.2Conversion and breeding ratios3.3Uranium-plutonium cycle in the fast spectrum3.4Fissions of U-238 and minor actinides3.5Sodium void coefficient3.6Doppler effect in fast cores3.7Delayed neutron fraction and control3.8Transmutation and reduction of radiotoxicity3.9Delayed neutrons of Pu-239 compared with U-2353.10Case study: breeding balance in an SFR
4.1Core geometry and neutron leakage4.2Fuel enrichment and composition4.3Control rods and absorbers by spectrum4.4Fluence damage to cladding and structures4.5Power density and heat extraction4.6Burnup, refuelling cycles and reactivity4.7Neutron poisons: boron, gadolinium and xenon4.8Comparison of inherent safety4.9Power distribution and peaking factors4.10Laboratory: spectral comparison with OpenMC
5.1PWR and BWR AS Thermal Reference Designs 5.2 CANDU and Heavy-Water Reactors 5.3 Graphite-Moderated High-Temperature Reactors 5.4 Sodium-Cooled Fast Reactors: Phenix and BN-800 5.5 Lead-Cooled and Gas-Cooled Fast Reactors 5.6 Generation IV Concepts of the GIF 5.7 Molten Salts in Thermal and Fast Spectra 5.8 Spectrum Choice in SMRs 5.9 Thorium Cycles in Both Spectra 5.10 Case Study: Thermal vs Fast Decision Matrix
6.1Definition of requirements and reactor mission6.2Selection of spectrum, fuel and coolant6.3Neutronic model of cell and assembly6.4Calculation of k-effective and reactivity coefficients6.5Burnup analysis and conversion ratio6.6Safety and sustainability assessment6.7Comparison with a reference design6.8Conclusions and design recommendations6.9Report and presentation6.10Final review with the tutor
How you'll learn
Training 100% online 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 intake, which makes it possible to combine the course with work.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is Serpent 2, OpenMC, ERANOS, DRAGON5, Python (SciPy), in free, academic or evaluation versions. Tests are studied using real procedures for comparing calculated neutron spectra, cell calculations in thermal and fast spectra, and parametric core design studies. 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.
Explain the physics of neutron interaction according to energy.
Analyse moderation and the characteristics of the thermal spectrum.
Describe the fast spectrum and the concept of breeding.
Compare the implications of each spectrum for core design.
Evaluate reactivity coefficients and inherent safety in both cases.
Where this takes you
Requirements
- No prior degree is required.
- Internet connection and a computer capable of running the programme's software.
- Sufficient command of Spanish to follow technical standards documentation.
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 comprises 300 hours in total, spread over 3 to 5 months. That is an average of 10 to 15 hours a week, compatible with full-time work.
You will work with Serpent 2, OpenMC, ERANOS, DRAGON5, Python (SciPy). Free, academic or evaluation versions are used, and the tutor indicates the free alternative where one exists.
A SEIUM diploma upon passing continuous assessment and the final integrating project. This 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 towards the higher-level programme. Check the recognition policy when enrolling.
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