FYS3580 – Introduction to Nuclear Reactor Physics

How is fission of heavy atomic nuclei used to produce energy?

In this course, you will receive a thorough introduction to the physics of nuclear reactors. We discuss the fission chain reaction and nuclear criticality, different reactor types and safety, and use what you have learned to simulate a reactor core. This course provides you with the knowledge to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of nuclear power.

After completing the course, you:

• have basic knowledge of different nuclear reactions that are relevant for reactor physics such as fission and neutron capture
• have knowledge of different reactor technologies, the nuclear fuel cycle and phenomena that occur in a reactor
• can simulate a reactor core using Monte Carlo simulation tools and interpret the results.
• can assess advantages and disadvantages of different reactor types and technology, for example in terms of reactor safety.
• can discuss the advantages and disadvantages of nuclear energy.

• FYS1040 – Introduction to Nuclear Technology

The teaching consists of 4 hours of lectures and 2 hours of group teaching per week.

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

See rules for mandatory activities.

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

This course has mandatory exercises that must be approved before you can sit 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 the following courses: FYS4580 – Introduction to Nuclear Reactor Physics, FYS9580 – Introduction to Nuclear Reactor Physics (discontinued) and FYS-KJM4580 – Nuclear Technology (continued)

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

Re-scheduled examinations are not offered to students who withdraw during, or did not pass, the original examination.