Diploma in Radionuclide Dispersion Modelling
Online postgraduate diploma of 800 hours in radionuclide dispersion modelling, structured in 8 modules covering boundary-layer meteorology, source term, Gaussian, Lagrangian and Eulerian models, aquatic dispersion, population dose and emergency response under NRC Regulatory Guide 1.145, IAEA GSR Part 7 and Directive 2013/59/Euratom, with an assigned technical tutor.
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
Characterise the boundary-layer meteorology relevant to dispersion.
Define source terms for operational and accident scenarios.
Apply Gaussian, Lagrangian and Eulerian dispersion models.
Model the dispersion of radionuclides in aquatic environments.
Calculate population doses through the different exposure pathways.
Support decisions on protective measures in nuclear emergencies.
Assess the uncertainty of modelling results.
Who it's for
- Atmospheric dispersion analysts looking to apply their skills to radionuclide releases.
- Radiological emergency technicians who need solid modelling foundations.
- Radiation protection specialists working on dose assessment.
- Environmental modellers moving into the nuclear field.
- Nuclear safety consultants.
- Technical staff at regulatory bodies.
- Engineering or science graduates seeking to enter the nuclear power sector.
What you'll work with
- NRC Regulatory Guide 1.145 (atmospheric dispersion models for accident consequence assessment)
- IAEA GSR Part 7 (preparedness and response for nuclear or radiological emergencies)
- Directive 2013/59/Euratom (EU basic safety standards for radiation protection)
- NRC Regulatory Guide 1.109 (calculation of annual doses from routine releases)
- ICRP Publication 119 (compendium of dose coefficients)
- IAEA Safety Reports Series No. 19 (generic models for assessing the impact of discharges)
- PLABEN, Royal Decree 1564/2010 (Spanish basic nuclear emergency plan)
- HYSPLIT
- FLEXPART
- JRODOS
- RASCAL
- WRF
8 modules
1.1Structure of the atmospheric boundary layer1.2Pasquill-Gifford stability classes1.3Wind profiles and roughness1.4Thermal inversions and the mixing layer1.5Monin-Obukhov length1.6Weather stations and radiosondes1.7WRF meteorological models1.8Precipitation and washout1.9Site climatology1.10Practical exercise: stability classification with real data
2.1Core radionuclide inventory2.2Release fractions2.3Noble gases, iodine and aerosols2.4Effective height and plume rise2.5Continuous and puff releases2.6Design basis accidents2.7Severe accidents and NUREG-14652.8Chemical forms of iodine2.9Source term uncertainty2.10Case study: source term for a LOCA
3.1The Gaussian plume equation3.2Sigma dispersion coefficients3.3Reflection at the ground and the mixing layer3.4Puff models3.5Dry and wet deposition3.6Radioactive decay and decay chains3.7Building wake effect3.8Dispersion over complex terrain3.9Limitations of the Gaussian approach3.10Practical exercise: Gaussian plume programmed in Python
4.1Lagrangian particle models4.2HYSPLIT and FLEXPART4.3Eulerian transport models4.4CFD at local scale4.5Long-range transport4.6Ensembles and probability maps4.7Assimilation of measurements4.8Inverse modelling of the source term4.9Validation with tracer experiments4.10Lab: simulation of a release with HYSPLIT
5.1Routine liquid discharges5.2River and estuary models5.3Dispersion in the open ocean5.4Adsorption onto sediments5.5Migration in groundwater5.6Dispersion in the Pacific after Fukushima5.7Compartmental models of aquatic systems5.8Near-field dilution and mixing5.9Tritium tracking5.10Case study: discharge into a river
6.1Pathways: cloud, ground, inhalation and ingestion6.2ICRP dose coefficients6.3Population and age groups6.4Effective dose and thyroid dose6.5Food chain models6.6Intervention levels6.7Collective dose to the population6.8Comparison with legal limits6.9RASCAL and JRODOS systems6.10Practical exercise: inhalation dose in an accident scenario
7.1Off-site nuclear emergency plans7.2Planning zones7.3Sheltering, evacuation and iodine prophylaxis7.4Decision support systems7.5Radiological warning networks7.6ECURIE data exchange7.7Crisis communication7.8Exercises and drills7.9Lessons from real accidents7.10Case study: deciding on protective measures
8.1Selection of the site and scenario8.2Meteorological characterisation of the site8.3Definition of the source term8.4Model selection and configuration8.5Simulation and concentration maps8.6Dose calculation by pathway8.7Uncertainty analysis8.8Proposal of protective measures8.9Report and presentation8.10Final project: final 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. There are no fixed timetables: you progress at your own pace within each intake, so you can combine it with your job.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is HYSPLIT, FLEXPART, JRODOS, RASCAL and WRF, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Practical work is based on real procedures: simulation of accidental releases with Lagrangian models, dose calculation by exposure pathway and decision exercises within emergency plans. Assessment is continuous by module plus the final project.
Standards covered: NRC Regulatory Guide 1.145, IAEA GSR Part 7, Directive 2013/59/Euratom, NRC Regulatory Guide 1.109, ICRP Publication 119, IAEA Safety Reports Series No. 19, PLABEN (Royal Decree 1564/2010).
Build it end to end
Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.
Where this takes you
Requirements
- Prior technical training or professional experience in the sector. No university degree is required.
- An internet connection and a computer capable of running the programme software.
- 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 800 hours over 6–8 months. You set your own pace within each intake, and your tutor helps you plan the workload around your job.
You work with HYSPLIT, FLEXPART, JRODOS, RASCAL and WRF, using free, academic or evaluation versions. Your tutor indicates the free alternative wherever one exists.
A SEIUM Institute diploma, awarded on passing the continuous assessment and the final project. It is SEIUM's own qualification, not an official state degree; its recognition depends on the programme completed and the regulations of each country.
Yes. Modules passed are recognised in a higher programme in the same area (postgraduate diploma or master's). Ask about the recognition policy when you enrol.
Prior technical training or professional experience in the sector (no university degree required), plus English sufficient to read technical standards.
Start dates are set by SEIUM's faculty for each intake. Our admissions team will confirm the next available date when you apply.
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