NE 404: Nuclear Fuel Cycle

Learning Outcomes for NE 404 (Nuclear Fuel Cycle)

1. Describe the steps in the nuclear fuel cycle and the technologies employed in each.
2. Demonstrate an understanding of the radiation protection issues and requirements associated with each step in the once-through fuel cycle.
3. Understand the political and economic factors that resulted in the decision by the U.S. government not to reprocess/recycle fuel from commercial nuclear reactors.
4. Demonstrate an understanding of the classification, storage and transport regulations and requirements for spent nuclear fuel, high level waste and low level waste.
5. Be able to knowledgeably discuss current waste management issues including the proposed geologic repository in Yucca Mountain.
6. Understand the principles of operation of linear accelerators and cyclotrons and how they are used to generate particle fluxes.

To introduce seniors in nuclear engineering to the technologies employed in the nuclear fuel cycle in the U.S. To develop awareness in the students of the technical, economic, political and environmental issues involved with the once-through nuclear fuel cycle.

The following are the 11 ABET-specified outcomes for UTNE academic program as defined by the ABET 2000 criteria:

1. Ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science and engineering
2. Ability to design and conduct experiments, as well as to analyze and interpret data
3. Ability to design a system, component, or process to meet desired needs
4. Ability to function in multi-disciplinary teams
5. Ability to identify, formulate and solve engineering problems
6. Understanding of professional and ethical responsibility
7. Ability to communicate effectively
8. Broad education necessary to understand the impact of engineering solutions in a global/societal context
9. Recognition of the need for and ability to engage in life-long learning
10. Knowledge of contemporary issues
11. Ability to use the techniques, skills and modern engineering tools necessary for engineering practice.

Explanation of the Mapping Presented in Table 1 (NE 404)

NE 404 contributes to various ABET - specified outcomes as shown in Table 1. This course emphasizes fundamental understanding of the technical aspects of the nuclear fuel cycle. Students make extensive use of the Internet to obtain up-to-date information about current issues such as Yucca Mountain, amendments to the Nuclear Waste Policy Act, etc. Usually, there is a mock debate held on some topic related to the nuclear fuel cycle. The students are also introduced to particle accelerator types, applications and principles of operation.

ABET Outcome 1:  The ability to apply knowledge of basic sciences and engineering is contributed by learning outcomes 1,4,5 and 6. The students are expected to be able to explain the physical principles used in the various processes involved in each stage of the fuel cycle and to perform selected calculations to obtain quantitative results where appropriate.

ABET Outcome 2: Not Applicable.

ABET Outcome 3: Not Applicable.

ABET Outcome 4: Not Applicable.

ABET Outcome 5: The course contributes to this ABET outcome through learning outcome 1.

ABET Outcome 6: Not Applicable.

ABET Outcome 7: Students have the opportunity to develop oral communication skills through participation in the debate.

ABET Outcome 8: Not Applicable.

ABET Outcome 9: Not Applicable.

ABET Outcome 10: Knowledge of contemporary issues is contributed to by learning outcomes 2,3 and 5. Legislative and technical issues regarding nuclear waste and spent fuel transport and storage are extensively discussed in class and researched on the Internet.

ABET Outcome 11:  New engineering tools will be discussed in some of the lectures (e.g., PET-scan equipment in the lecture of nuclear medicine).

Revised 2/6/02

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