MIT Department of Nuclear Science and Engineering

The department’s undergraduate program provides a broad foundation in Nuclear Science and Engineering. The program develops engineering fundamentals in radiation production, interactions and measurement, and in the design of nuclear systems. In addition the program introduces students to thermal-fluid engineering, electronics and computer methods. The program is designed to be analytical and grounded in an understanding of low energy nuclear physics. An entirely new curriculum was introduced for the 2002-2003 academic year.

A characteristic of the new curriculum is the development of practical skills through hands-on education. This is accomplished through a laboratory course on radiation physics, measurement and protection (22.09), and through the laboratory components and exercises of the electronics (6.071), imaging (22.058) and computation (1.00) courses. The concept of hands-on learning is continued with a 12-unit design course focusing of nuclear systems and a 12-unit undergraduate thesis that is normally organized between the student and a faculty member of the department. Thesis subjects can touch on any area of Nuclear Science and Engineering, including: nuclear energy applications (fission and fusion), Nuclear Science and Technology (medical, physical, chemical and material applications). Additional information is available from the student’s departmental advisor or from the departmental undergraduate office (Room 24-102).

The Bachelor of Science degree in Nuclear Science and Engineering prepares students for careers in the applications and engineering of low energy nuclear physics. This includes the design, analysis and operation of radiation systems (such as fission reactors, accelerators and other radiation sources), in various applications of radiation (including biomedical), and for graduate study in a wide range of engineering and physical sciences.

The degree programs in Course XXII are accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology.