Course syllabus

Course-PM

TRA435 Nuclear power safety

lp3 VT25 (7.5 hp)

The course is offered by the department of Tracks

Contact details

Paolo Vinai

Department of Physics, Chalmers

Email: vinai@chalmers.se

Course purpose

Nuclear power plants have been a major asset since the mid-70s for decarbonizing electricity generation and for decreasing the reliance on fossil fuel. However, during the operation of these plants, a large inventory of radioactive materials accumulates, which poses a potential severe hazard to society and the environment. Therefore, it is important to design and operate nuclear power plants with stringent safety requirements, so that radioactive releases to the environment are avoided or, in case of a severe accident, minimized. In the course, you will understand the principles of nuclear safety, the assessment of the risk associated with nuclear energy, and the implementation of safety in nuclear reactors.

Schedule

TimeEdit

Course literature

Teaching material is distributed during the course.

Course design

Different learning activities are blended, such as lectures on basic concepts, discussions on case studies including both postulated and real exercises, and exercises, allowing the students to develop an in-depth understanding of nuclear power safety.

Learning objectives and syllabus

Learning objectives:

• Master problems with open solutions spaces which includes to be able to handle uncertainties and limited information.
• Work in multidisciplinary teams and collaborate in teams with different compositions.
• Identify ethical aspects and discuss and judge their consequences in relation to the specific problem.
• Orally and in writing explain and discuss information, problems, methods, design/development processes and solutions.
• Explain the working principles of nuclear power plants.
• Explain the safety culture and regulations applied to nuclear power plants.
• Explain the risk associated with nuclear power plants and its assessment.
• Explain how safety is implemented in nuclear power plants.
• Explain the methods used for safety analysis of nuclear power plants.
• Explain the behavior of nuclear power plants under transient and accidental conditions.
• Reflect on and discuss safety issues of nuclear power plants, taking ethical aspects into consideration.

Syllabus on Studieportalen.

Examination form

The examination is based on assignments throughout all the course. Some assignments are arranged as group activities (which require the delivery of a report).  Some assignments are arranged as individual activities. To pass the course, all the assignments must be successfully completed.