Nuclear Energy: Science, Systems and Society

Module 1: Introduces the basics of ionizing radiation - what it is, where it comes from, and how it is used to benefit humanity. We specifically focus on the origins and energetics of ionizing radiation, and quantify what radiation dose is, where it comes from, and how much people can safely tolerate with no adverse effects.

Module 2: Will articulate attributes and challenges of nuclear energy as a commercial source of electric power. Will focus on potential contribution of nuclear energy to decarbonization of the power sector, including discussion of nuclear power plant economics and safety. A few innovations in nuclear energy systems will be described.

Module 3: Will cover the basics of nuclear fusion, including fundamental plasma physics concepts needed to understand the prospects for development of magnetic confinement fusion. Innovation and future directions will be described.

Module 4 : Will cover applications of nuclear science and engineering beyond energy, focusing on the emerging field of quantum science and engineering, where atomic and nuclear science are playing an important role. Innovations, challenges and opportunities in quantum computation and quantum sensing will be described.