MAT61019   N16 Chemical Aspects of Nuclear Technology   (15 credits)

Description

Chemical phenomena govern many processes in the nuclear fuel cycle, reflecting both the diverse chemistry of the elements involved, and also the chemical effects of ionising radiation. This course unit summarises key aspects of chemistry in the nuclear fuel cycle. It assumes very limited knowledge of chemistry and will begin with a description of key chemical concepts, before exploring their relevance to different aspects of nuclear energy, specifically the chemistry of the fission and fusion fuel cycles; the chemical effects of ionising radiation in solid and solution states; chemistry of radioelements in natural and engineered environments; chemistry of light water reactors; and analytical and forensic radiochemistry. The course unit will comprise pre-learning material, complemented with workshops, QandA sessions and lectures, demonstrations and lab exercises.

Reading List