Nuclear Chemistry

Course abbreviation: P_JCHB
Course code: B0531A130029
Course duration: 3 years

Degree Course Characteristics

Nuclear chemistry is a scientific discipline concerned with the properties of matter and phenomena of chemical and physico-chemical nature, having origin in the nucleus of the atom or in which the nucleus and its transformations play a participative role. Understanding the properties of the nucleus and its behaviour can often be immensely helpful in studying and finding a solution to many problems – not only of chemical character. Such insight, however, is to be based on solid foundations of chemistry and physics.

The idea of the Bachelor´s Degree Course in Nuclear Chemistry is to offer students both quite strong foundations of mathematics and physics, and of theoretical and practical training in the fundamental branches of chemistry, i.e. in physical, inorganic, analytical, and organic chemistry as well as biochemistry. The course curriculum goes deeper, and includes both theoretical and practical courses in nuclear chemistry. Besides the fundamental principles of general nuclear chemistry, the course includes lectures on detection of ionizing radiation, dosimetry, radiation protection, and respective legislation. A special cluster of lectures presents topics on the role and safe operation of nuclear power plants. Laboratory experiments are invaluable for gaining practical experience. Chemistry labs and practicals in all branches of chemistry, and selected sections of physics and the knowledge gained in lectures add substantially to the job potentials of future graduates. Labs in radiochemical techniques and in detection on ionizing radiation bolster theoretical aspects of courses and, at the same time, bolster habits for handling open sources of ionizing radiation and management of experiments.

The three-year degree course aims at training graduates whose prospects on the labour market will be equal to the prospects of graduates in other fields of chemistry. Moreover, beyond their general qualification, our graduates equipped with a theoretical and practical background in nuclear chemistry are ready to work without any guidance in institutions operating open and closed sources of ionizing radiation (emitters). The course curriculum also encompasses knowledge of physical principles of radiation protection and relevant legislation, trains independent work habits, planning, and a high degree of concentration of attention, which is useful in science and research positions in industry, power engineering, nuclear safety, radiation protection, or the country´s administration. To sum up, the graduates have excellent chances to continue their academic training in chemistry and be admitted to the Continuation Master Programme “Nuclear Chemistry“ (in preparation) to be offered by the Faculty of Nuclear Sciences and Physical Engineering.

Graduate´s Profile

Knowledge:
The course equips students with broad foundations of mathematics and physics, a good basis for broadening their horizons of chemistry, namely physical, inorganic, analytical, and organic chemistry, and biochemistry, as well as nuclear chemistry - the key course of the degree programme.

Skills:
The solid theoretical and practical foundations for various chemical disciplines of the course programme equip students with a set of skills requisite for independent work in a chemical or radiochemical lab, as well techniques used in chemistry, including chemical processes, chemical design of complex instruments, and instrumental analysis. A very special skill in nuclear chemistry is safe manipulation of open an closed sources of ionizing radiation because such activities require planning and organizational skills and are closely relate to radiation protection and doing work with efficiency. Great stress is also laid on analytical and interpretation skills obtained via assessment of experimental results.

Competency:
Graduates will have obtained skills and knowledge required to assume positions in nuclear and chemical industry, in research, power engineering, health care, and environment protection institutions. Solid background in radiation protection and legislation makes them eligible for positions in supervision and control bodies such as the State Office for Nuclear Safety (SÚJB), the Radioactive Waste Repository Authority (SÚRAO), and the National Radiation Protection Institute (SÚRO). Their academic background makes them also eligible to take an examination in special professional competence for jobs in ionizing radiation protection. Language courses in two languages qualify graduates even for international career openings. And also, they can advance their academic training by applying for admission to a Continuation Master Programme in any discipline of chemistry, and, preferably, in Nuclear Chemistry offered by the Faculty of Nuclear Sciences and Physical Engineering.

State Final Examination

• General Chemistry
• Nuclear Chemistry

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.