FYS4580 – Introduction to Nuclear Reactor Physics
Course description
Course content
How is the splitting of heavy nuclei used to produce energy in nuclear reactors?
In this course, you will get a thorough introduction to the physics of a nuclear reactor. We discuss the fission chain reaction and nuclear criticality, reactor materials and safety, and use what we learn to simulate a nuclear reactor core. This course will give you the knowledge you need to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of nuclear energy.
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.
Recommended previous knowledge
Overlapping courses
- 10 credits overlap with FYS9580 – Nuclear Technology.
- 10 credits overlap with FYS-KJM4580 – Nuclear Technology (continued).
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.
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
- Use of sources and citations
- Special exam arrangements due to individual needs
- Withdrawal from an exam
- Illness at exams / postponed exams
- Explanation of grades and appeals
- Resitting an exam
- Cheating/attempted cheating
You will find further guides and resources at the web page on examinations at UiO.