FYS4580 – Introduction to Nuclear Reactor Physics

Schedule, syllabus and examination date

Course content

The course provides a thorough introduction to reactor physics and the principles underlying the operation of nuclear power reactors. In this course, we will review the main principles of:

  • Fission chain reactions, neutron interactions, multiplication factor, and nuclear criticality
  • Basics of reactor materials; fuel and moderator
  • The constitution of a nuclear reactor
  • Reactor safety
  • The future of nuclear energy: generation-4 reactors and nuclear fusion
  • Numerical and simulation techniques for reactors using OpenMC; reactor core layout, criticality, burnup

Learning outcome

After completing the course, you:

  • have basic knowledge of fission chain reactions and nuclear reactors.
  • have knowledge of phenomena and reactions that occur inside the reactor core.
  • can simulate a reactor core using Monte Carlo simulation tools and interpret the results.
  • have acquired sufficient knowledge to assess the pros and cons of different reactor types and technology in terms of reactor safety.
  • can discuss the advantages and disadvantages of nuclear energy.

Admission to the course

Students admitted at UiO must apply for courses in Studentweb. Students enrolled in other Master's Degree Programmes can, on application, be admitted to the course if this is cleared by their own study programme.

Nordic citizens and applicants residing in the Nordic countries may apply to take this course as a single course student.

If you are not already enrolled as a student at UiO, please see our information about admission requirements and procedures for international applicants.

Overlapping courses

Teaching

The teaching consists of 40 hours of lectures and 20 hours of assignments.

Throughout the semester, the students work with a semester assignment where the goal is to simulate a reactor core. The semester assignment and an oral presentation must be approved before you can take the final exam. 

Examination

  • Final oral exam which counts 100 % towards the final grade.

The semester assignment and an oral presentation must be approved before you can take the final exam.

It will also be counted as one of the three attempts to sit the exam for this course, if you sit the exam for one of the following courses: FYS9580 – Nuclear Technology

Examination support material

No examination support material is allowed.

Language of examination

Subjects taught in English will only offer the exam paper in English. You may write your examination paper in Norwegian, Swedish, Danish or English.

Grading scale

Grades are awarded on a scale from A to F, where A is the best grade and F is a fail. Read more about the grading system.

Resit an examination

Students who can document a valid reason for absence from the regular examination are offered a postponed exam at the beginning of the next semester.

New examinations are offered at the beginning of the next semester for students who do not successfully complete the exam during the previous semester.

We do not offer a re-scheduled exam for students who withdraw during the exam.

More about examinations at UiO

You will find further guides and resources at the web page on examinations at UiO.

Last updated from FS (Common Student System) Mar. 19, 2024 11:29:18 AM

Facts about this course

Level
Master
Credits
10
Teaching
Autumn

If the course is offered, a minimum of four students is required for ordinary lectures to take place. If less than four students participate, an exam will be given, but one should not expect ordinary teaching.

Examination
Autumn
Teaching language
English