Bachelor of Science Honours in Nuclear Energy
Physical, Mathematical, Computer and Life Sciences - Physical Sciences
Purpose and Rationale
Purpose
The purpose of this qualification is to provide learners with industry relevant interdisciplinary knowledge and practical skills in Nuclear Energy. They will exit with a strong nuclear physics background and a general scientific overview of the Nuclear Energy industry to prepare them for a professional career in the Nuclear Energy and related sectors. In addition, the qualification will also prepare them for further post-graduate research in the nuclear energy sector. This qualification will enable qualifying learners to become successful professionals or pursue further research, so driving South Africa's nuclear renaissance.
Rationale
A successful energy sector is critical to the future of South Africa. It must be stable and well-regulated, yet innovative enough to meet environmental challenges and utilise the latest available technology. Two crucial requirements are to have sustainable energy production and to limit carbon output and thus a negative impact on climate. These requirements have led South Africa to commit to making Nuclear Energy a significant part of South Africa's future energy production. Nuclear Energy has many aspects, involving not only running nuclear power facilities, but also regulation, uranium beneficiation, fuel preparation and nuclear waste storage solutions. Collaboration between the institution and the sector has led to a new inter-disciplinary and professional qualification for the development of high-end skills in the field of Nuclear Energy.
The qualification is a response to a widely acknowledged shortage of high-level skills in the nuclear energy sector. South Africa is committed to building a 9.6 Gigawatt Nuclear Power plant as well as the development of capacity in the beneficiation of the full fuel cycle, These developments should be characterised by a significant localisation of capacity and production. In order to drive its expansion, the nuclear energy sector will need a vast number of people with relevant skills and knowledge.
Outcomes
- Formulate and solve problems in nuclear energy and identify the appropriate physical principles.
- Use appropriate methods to analyse data.
- Uphold the highest standards of ethics.
Assessment Criteria
Exit Level Outcome 1:
- Various numerical techniques appropriate to a given problem are identified and discussed.
- The principles of criticality and reaction control are formulated.
- Ideas with regard to nuclear structure and nuclear reactions are formulated, discussed, and developed.
- The physics processes in Neutronics and Thermal Hydraulics are explained.
Exit Level Outcome 2:
- The principles of data and error analysis are formulated.
- Appropriate conclusions from data analysis are drawn.
- The implications of data analysis conclusions within a nuclear energy context are discussed.
Exit Level Outcome 3:
- The short and long term environmental effects of all stages of the Nuclear Energy cycle, including mining, fuel-processing, nuclear power production and waste storage are explained and evaluated.
- Compliance with relevant regulations is assessed and ensured.
- The complex physical and social challenges facing the storing, disposal and/or processing of used nuclear fuel are explained and discussed.
Integrated Assessment:
- Formative and summative assessments are conducted on a continuous basis throughout the learning experience.
- Minimum number of formative assessment opportunities required:
- 8 Credit (term) modules: two summative assessment opportunities.
- 16 Credit (semester) modules: three summative assessment opportunities.
Qualification Details
- Type
- Honours Degree
- NQF Level
- 08
- Min. Credits
- 136
- SAQA Source
- More Information
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