Check out our recent blog, where we have discussed about genetic engineering. Now it’s time to learn about nuclear engineering. In this, you will study how to take energy from the atoms. So, let’s quickly learn the fundamentals, syllabus and many more things which you want to know while studying for it.
Read this: Diploma In Computer Engineering Subjects: Course, Fee, Eligibility
What is Nuclear Engineering?
The main goal of nuclear engineering is to harness the energy that is emitted from the atoms, which are extremely small particles. It’s comparable to a very effective method of producing electricity or even creating weaponry. It entails using nuclear reactions and radioactive materials to create energy or find solutions to significant issues.
Fundamentals of Nuclear Engineering
The fundamentals are:-
1. Atoms
Just like LEGO bricks, everything is formed of atoms. The nucleus is the primary component of these atoms.
2. Nucleus
The nucleus is similar to the centre of an atom. Protons and neutrons are present.
3. Uranium
We use uranium, a unique sort of atom. It resembles a potent LEGO block.
4. Fission
A lot of energy is released when the uranium atoms’ nuclei are split apart. It’s similar to separating LEGO blocks and getting a powerful energy rush.
5. Chain Reaction
When one uranium atom divides, it may cause surrounding uranium atoms to follow suit. As this goes on, a chain reaction and a lot of energy are produced.
6. Control
We have to keep this domino effect under control so it doesn’t get too large. Making sure we don’t smash too many LEGO pieces at once is analogous.
7. Heat
Heat is produced as a result of the energy released in this process. We crank a turbine that produces electricity using this heat to create steam.
8. Radiation
Radiation, which resembles intangible rays, is another byproduct of nuclear processes. We must take precautions to avoid radiation exposure.
9. Safety
Safety is extremely crucial. We take many safety measures to avoid mishaps.
Syllabus of Nuclear Engineering
Here is the semester-wise syllabus.
| SEMESTER- 1 | SEMESTER- 2 |
| 1. Applied Mathematics- I 2. Introduction to Environmental Studies 3. Engineering Chemistry 4. Engineering Graphics | 1. Engineering Mechanics 2. Communication Skills 3. Engineering Physics 4. Applied Mathematics- II |
| SEMESTER- 3 | SEMESTER- 4 |
| 1. Advanced Modern Physics 2. Object Oriented Programming Using C++ 3. Engineering Thermodynamics 4. Engineering Materials | 1. Engineering Fluid Mechanics 2. Nuclear Measurement 3. Basic Nuclear Physics 4. Modelling and Simulation of System |
| SEMESTER- 5 | SEMESTER- 6 |
| 1. Radiation Detection and Measurement 2. Nuclear Reactor Physics 3. Nuclear Fuels- Physics and Chemistry 4. Application of Radioisotopes | 1. Thermal Hydraulics and Heat Transfer 2. Nuclear Fuel Fabrication and Reprocessing 3. Gas Turbine and Jet Propulsion 4. Basic Nuclear |
| SEMESTER- 7 | SEMESTER- 8 |
| 1. Vacuum Techniques 2. Radiation Protection and Health Physics 3. Particle Accelerators 4. Nuclear Power Reactor Systems | 1. Thermal Hydraulics and Heat Transfer 2. Nuclear Techniques and their Applications 3. Environmental Radioactivity |
Courses Available for Nuclear Engineering
Some of the courses available are as follows.
| Undergraduate Courses |
| 1. Bachelor of Science in Nuclear Engineering 2. Speciality Nuclear Reactors and Materials 3. Bachelor of Science in Nuclear and Risk Engineering |
| Postgraduate Courses |
| 1. Master in Nuclear Chemistry 2. Master of Science in Nuclear Engineering 3. Master of Science in Nuclear Power Engineering 4. MSc in Nuclear Engineering 5. Master of Science in Nuclear Fusion and Engineering Physics 6. Master of Science in Science of Nuclear Fusion 7. Master of Science in Radioecology 8. Master of Science in Nuclear Engineering (Advanced) Nuclear Waste Management |
Admission Requirements for Nuclear Engineering
The admission requirements in abroad universities are:-
- In Universities of Abroad, they should have valid scores in the ACT, MAT, SAT, GRE or GMAT.
- Language Proficiency Tests- TOEFL, IELTS, etc.
- Recommendation Letter for Study Abroad
- Resume/ CV
- Statement of Purpose
Eligibility Criteria
Students who want to get enrolled in the nuclear engineering program should pass these eligibility criteria which we have mentioned below.
- For pursuing a bachelor’s program students must have core subjects such as calculus, trigonometry, algebra, physics and chemistry in 12th standard.
- To get admission into indian universities students must have the entrance exams for undergraduate programs which are COMEDK, JEE Mains, etc.
- Moreover, for a master’s degree, they should have completed their bachelor’s degree from a well-known university.
Top Universities/ Colleges in India for Nuclear Engineering
The top universities/ colleges in India are:-
- IIT Bombay, Mumbai, Maharashtra
- IIT Madras, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
- DTU, New Delhi
- Amity University, Noida
- Jadavpur University, Kolkata, West Bengal
- OPJS University, Churu, Rajasthan
- Mody University, Sikar Rajasthan
Top Universities/ Colleges in Abroad for Nuclear Engineering
The top universities/ colleges in abroad are:-
| Universities/ Colleges | Courses Offered |
| University of Cambridge, England, UK | Master of Philosophy in Nuclear Energy |
| Imperial College London, UK | Master of Engineering in Materials with Nuclear Engineering |
| ETH Zurich, Switzerland | Master of Science in Nuclear Engineering |
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology, USA | Master of Science in Nuclear Science and Engineering |
| University of California, USA | Master of Engineering in Nuclear Engineering |
| Australian National University, Australia | Master of Science (Advanced) in Nuclear Science |
| University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA | Master of Science in Nuclear Engineering and Radiological Sciences |
| University of Wisconsin, USA | Bachelor of Science in Nuclear Engineering |
Jobs and Salaries for Nuclear Engineering
- Medical Physics
- Aircraft Designs
- Reactor Operator
- Quality Engineer
- Process Engineer
- Health and Safety Specialists
- Department of Nuclear Shipbuilding
- Department of Defense
- Department of Energy
- Engineering Firms
- Working at Power Plants
| Job Profiles | Average Annual Salary (in INR) |
| Physical Scientist | 5 lakh per annum |
| Scientific Engineer Associate | 11 lakh per annum |
| Professor | 5 lakh per annum |
| Chemical Engineer | 4 lakh per annum |
| Materials Engineer | 3 lakh per annum |
| Project Engineer | 4 lakh per annum |
Top Recruitment Companies for Nuclear Engineering
- Canberra
- First Energy
- American Electric Power
- Black & Veatch
- BWXT
- BARC
- DRDO
- ISRO
- NPCIL
- We Build Staffing
Best Books for Nuclear Engineering
| Book Name | Author |
| Nuclear Reactor Analysis | James Duderstadt |
| Introduction to Nuclear Engineering: Pearson New International Edition | Anthony John Baratta |
| Fundamentals of Nuclear Science and Engineering | J. Kenneth Shultis |
| Concepts of Nuclear Physics | Bernard Cohen |
| Nuclear Power: A Very Short Introduction | Maxwell Irvine |
| Nuclear Physics: Principles and Applications | John Lilley |
| Nuclear Magnetic Resonance: Basic Principles | Atta-ur-Rahman |
Know more: Mechanical Engineering: Courses, University, Jobs, Salary
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FAQs
Which IIT offers the nuclear engineering?
Both IIT Bombay and Kanpur.
What are the toughest branches of engineering in India?
The toughest branches of engineering in India are:-
1. Computer Engineering
2. Aerospace Engineering
3. Biomedical engineering
4. Chemical engineering
5. Electrical engineering
What are the top countries to study nuclear engineering?
The top countries are:-
1. The United States of America
2. The United Kingdom
3. Netherlands
4. Germany
5. Canada
6. Australia
7. France
8. New Zealand
Name the best universities for nuclear engineering in India.
The best universities in India are:-
1. UPES Dehradun
2. Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyay University, Gujarat
3. Bhabha Atomic Research Center Mumbai
4. IIT Madras
5. IIT Bombay
6. IIT Kanpur
What are the entrance exams for admission to nuclear engineering?
Entrance exams for admission are:-
1. Amity JEE
2. DET
3. GATE
