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Course duration: 3 years
Nuclear Engineering – Course Specializations
- Applied Physics of Ionizing Radiation (AFIZ)
- Nuclear Reactors (JR)
- Radioactivity in the Environment (RZP) – can be studied in Prague or in Děčín
Degree Course Characteristics
The Nuclear Engineering programme is a physics-based study programme that builds on mathematical foundations and complements studies with computer skills using modern computing technology so that graduates can apply mathematical and physical methods in science and engineering practice. Graduates of the programme are able to find solutions to problems in the field of peaceful use of nuclear energy, the use of radioactive substances and ionising radiation in science and research, and in industry, and quickly acquire the necessary skills in practice and further develop themselves.
Teaching in the programme is based on a broad mathematical and physical foundation, complemented by basic knowledge of nuclear physics, nuclear engineering and computer science. The core physics courses are devoted to mechanics, electricity and magnetism, thermodynamics, molecular physics, waves, optics and atomic physics. These courses are complemented by nuclear engineering courses focusing on nuclear and radiation physics, dosimetry, nuclear reactors and the safety of nuclear installations. Mathematics courses include parts of mathematical analysis, algebra, probability and statistics. Computer courses include basic computer skills, programming and numerical methods. Links to practice are provided to students through technical visits to industrial and scientific research facilities or public institutions dealing with nuclear energy, the use of radioactive substances and ionizing radiation.
The close contact of students with modern trends in the programme is ensured by working on bachelor thesis on a topical subject in collaboration with leading nuclear engineering experts, either at the Faculty of Nuclear and Physical Engineering or at another major collaborating institution.
The programme allows for a focus of study in three specialisations: Applied Physics of Ionizing Radiation, Nuclear Reactors, and Radioactivity in the Environment (RZP). The subjects of study in these specialisations are designed to provide students with basic knowledge and practical skills in these areas, to give them a sufficient overview of the current state of the field and thus facilitate their future professional employment, rapid integration into practice or to enable further orientation within a follow-up Master's degree programme. The specialisation in Applied Physics of Ionizing Radiation develops knowledge of a common basis in the fields of physics, dosimetry and applications of ionising radiation. It emphasises the design of ionising radiation detectors, natural and artificial radioactive substances in the environment, the effects of ionising radiation on living organisms and the principles of radiation protection. In the Nuclear Reactors specialisation, students will expand their knowledge in the areas of neutron physics, reactor physics and nuclear power plant technology. It places greater emphasis on the design and instrumentation of nuclear reactors and focuses on their fuel cycle. The Radioactivity in the Environment specialisation focuses on strengthening computer skills, data processing and analysis of the impact of radioactive substances on the environment. Students are introduced to the physics of the full spectrum of electromagnetic waves (ionising and non-ionising radiation) and computational physics.
The combination of in-depth knowledge of physics, mathematics and computer science with nuclear engineering areas of study enables graduates to further enhance their qualifications at higher levels of study and to apply themselves in the environment of physical, natural science and engineering practice in science, research and industry.
The specialisation Radioactivity in the Environment will also be taught in the same form at the Faculty's detached workplace in Děčín. Here, the study programme sets the same objectives as described above, but at the same time responds to the needs and specificities of the region.
Graduate´s Profile
Knowledge:
A graduate of the Nuclear Engineering program will acquire knowledge in physics, mathematics, computer science and nuclear engineering disciplines, which are deepened depending on his/her specialization in physics, dosimetry and applications of ionizing radiation, nuclear technology and peaceful uses of nuclear energy. Graduates can directly pursue a follow-up Master's degree programme in Nuclear Engineering.
Skills:
Graduates of the Nuclear Engineering program will be able to apply nuclear engineering methods and techniques to real-world problems in nuclear energy, nuclear technology, ionizing radiation interaction with matter, and radiation protection. The ability to prepare and carry out physical measurements and to analyse the results obtained. In addition to the professional skills acquired through study, typical skills of students in the Nuclear Engineering programme include adaptability, rapid orientation to interdisciplinary problems, problem analysis and computer processing, synthesis of results and good written expression. The acquired qualities also include responsibility for the work done and the decisions made.
Competences:
Thanks to the analytical way of working and the systematic approach given by the acquired knowledge and skills, graduates will be able to work at bachelor level in industry, science and research, both in the private and public spheres. They will find employment wherever nuclear technology, ionising radiation and radionuclides are used, particularly in the nuclear power industry, nuclear research, the fields of dealing with old environmental burdens, radioecology and radiation protection. Graduates can also use the acquired knowledge in the follow-up Master's studies.
Specializations
The programme is divided into specialisations according to a selection of compulsory subjects:
Applied Physics of Ionizing Radiation (AFIZ)
The specialisation develops a common foundation of knowledge in the areas of physics, dosimetry and applications of ionising radiation. It emphasizes the design of ionizing radiation detectors, natural and artificial radioactive substances in the environment, the effects of ionizing radiation on living organisms, and the principles of radiation protection.
Nuclear reactors (JR)
In this specialization, students will expand their knowledge of the common core in the areas of neutron physics, reactor physics and nuclear power plant technology. It places greater emphasis on the design and instrumentation of nuclear reactors and focuses on their fuel cycle.
Radioactivity in the environment (RZP)
This specialization focuses on strengthening computer skills, data processing and analysis of the impact of radioactive substances on the environment. Students are introduced to the physics of the full spectrum of electromagnetic waves (ionizing and non-ionizing radiation) and computational physics. The combination of in-depth knowledge of physics, mathematics and computer science with nuclear engineering areas of study enables graduates to further enhance their qualifications at higher levels of study and to apply themselves in the environment of physical, natural science and engineering practice in science, research and industry.
State Final Examination
- Introduction to Nuclear Engineering - compulsory part of examination
- Introduction to Reactor Physics - optional part of examination
- Nuclear Reactors Technology - optional part of examination
- Dosimetry and Radiation Protection - optional part of examination
- Nuclear Physics and Detection of Ionizing Radiation - optional part of examination
Details on the examination and its parts are subject to valid legislation and internal regulations and rules and are available at Study Programmes and Regulations.