Understanding Nuclear Energy
Source: https://learningforlife.tudelft.nl/understanding-nuclear-energy/ Parent: https://learningforlife.tudelft.nl/our-courses/energy/renewable-energy-technologies/
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- The basics of nuclear science and nuclear energy.
- The operating principles of nuclear reactors.
- The various steps in the nuclear fuel cycle.
- The differences between current and future reactors.
- The pros and cons of nuclear energy.
Free
- Type Course
- Location Online
- Pacing Starts anytime / Self-paced
- Length
For instructor paced courses this is the length of the course.
For self-paced courses this is the length of the course if you spend the amount of time per week as specified. You're free to go faster or slower as you see fit.
6 Weeks - Effort 4 - 6 Hours per week
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Overview
Learn the science and technology behind nuclear energy and the special features of this energy source.
In this nuclear energy course, we will tackle provocative questions such as:
- Is nuclear energy a good substitute for fossil fuels to reduce our CO2 emission or not?
- Can nuclear reactors operate safely without any harm to the public and environment?
- How much nuclear waste is produced and how long does it need to be stored safely?
- How can we make nuclear energy clean and more sustainable?
- How much are nuclear energy costs?
You will learn the physics behind nuclear science, how to gain energy from nuclear fission, how nuclear reactors operate safely, and the life cycle of nuclear fuel: from mining to disposal. In the last part of the course, we will focus on what matters most in the public debate: the economic and social impact of nuclear energy but also the future of energy systems.
Practically, we will:
- Teach you about nuclear science and technology (radiation and radioactivity, nuclear reactions, nuclear reactors and fuel cycle, economics of nuclear energy, and the sociality aspects)
- Show you short videos about the theory and practical implementation of nuclear energy
- Stimulate discussion and debate about nuclear energy
- Ask you to formulate your own opinion about nuclear energy and its role in society
The GENTLE consortium has sponsored and prepared this course. GENTLE is focused on maintaining the current high level of nuclear safety, and developing a highly skilled and well informed nuclear workforce, following the conclusion of the Council of the EU that it "it is essential to maintain in the European Union a high level of training in the nuclear field" to deal with reactor fleet safely, decommission obsolete plants, be involved in new builds where policy dictates, and deal with the legacy and future radioactive wastes. - Details
##### Other instructors
Stefaan Pommé\ Scientist, Joint Research Centre of the European Commission
Victor Hugo Sánchez Espinoza\ Head of the Group Rector Physics and Dynamics and Project Leader Light Water Reactor Safety and Methods, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology - Qualifications
##### Chartered Engineering Competences
All our online courses and programs have been matched to the competences determined by KIVI’s Competence Structure, a common frame of reference for everyone, across all disciplines, levels and roles.
These competences apply to this course:
- A1: Extend your theoretical knowledge of new and advancing technologies.
- Admission
This is a Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) that runs on EdX.\
##### Prerequisites
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University level mathematics and physics
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Course format: MOOC
This course is a Massive Open Online Course (MOOC). Our MOOCs are delivered on edX.org and are open to all. They include video lectures, readings, assignments, and community discussions. Content is free, with optional certificates and additional exercises available for a fee.
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