MIT Department of Nuclear Science and Engineering

The required core courses in NS&E are listed below. Full course descriptions with prerequisites are provided in the MIT Subject Listings and Schedule. Listed below is a brief synopsis and indication of the faculty member who will teach the course during the 2004/5 academic year.

22.01 Introduction to Ionizing Radiation (J. Yanch)

Introduction to basic properties of ionizing radiations and their uses in medicine, industry, science, and environmental studies. Discusses natural and man-made radiation sources, energy deposition and dose calculations, various physical, chemical, and biological processes and effects of radiation with examples of their uses, and principles of radiation protection. Term paper and oral presentation of paper required.

22.02 Introduction to Applied Nuclear Physics (K. Molvig)

Basic concepts of nuclear physics with emphasis on nuclear structure and radiation interactions with matter. Elementary quantum theory; nuclear forces; shell structure of the nucleus; alpha, beta, and gamma, radioactive decays; interactions of nuclear radiations (charged particles, gammas and neutrons) with matter; nuclear reactions; fission and fusion. (8.02, 18.02, 22.01)

22.05 Neutron Science and Reactor Physics (G. Apostolakis)

Sources of neutrons and their interactions are explored leading to modeling of neutron transport. Introduces fundamental properties of the neutron. Applications of nuclear physics include reactor physics in the design of nuclear reactors. Covers reactions induced by neutrons, nuclear fission, slowing down of neutrons in infinite media, diffusion theory, the few-group approximation, and point kinetics. Emphasizes the nuclear physics bases of reactor design and its relationship to reactor engineering problems. (22.02, 18.03)

22.06 Engineering of Nuclear Systems (A. Kadak)

Introduces engineering in nuclear energy plant design, accelerators and fusion machines. Using the basic principles of nuclear physics, reactor physics, plasma physics and magnetic confinement, heat-transfer, safety, risk and reliability, the engineering design of nuclear power plants, accelerators and fusion systems are studied. The MIT Reactor, department accelerators, and MIT's Alcator fusion facility are used. (2.005, 22.05)

22.09 Principles of Nuclear Radiation Measurement and Protection (R. Lanza / J. Yanch)

Combines lectures, demonstrations, and experiments. Review of radiation protection procedures and regulations; theory and use of α, β, γ, and neutron detectors; applications in imaging and dosimetry; γ-ray spectroscopy; design and operation of automated data acquisition experiments using virtual instruments. Meets with graduate subject 22.90, but homework assignments and examinations differ. Instruction and practice in written communication provided. (22.02)

22.058 Principles of Tomographic Imaging (D. Cory)

An introduction to the principles of tomographic imaging and its applications. Includes a series of lectures with a parallel set of recitations that provide demonstrations of basic principles. Both ionizing and non-ionizing radiation are covered, including x-ray, PET, MRI, and ultrasound. Emphasis is on the physics and engineering of image formation. . (18.03, 8.02)

22.033 Nuclear Systems Design Project (A. Kadak)

Group design project involving integration of nuclear physics, particle transport, control, heat transfer, safety, instrumentation, materials, environmental impact, and economic optimization. Provides opportunity to synthesize knowledge acquired in nuclear and non-nuclear subjects and apply this knowledge to practical problems of current interest in nuclear applications design. Past projects have included using a fusion reactor for transmutation of nuclear waste, design and implementation of an experiment to predict and measure pebble flow in a pebble bed reactor, and development of a mission plan for a manned Mars mission including the conceptual design of a nuclear powered space propulsion system and power plant for the Mars surface. Meets with graduate subject 22.33, but assignments differ. (22.06)