The Department of Engineering Physics offers the B.S. degree in nuclear engineering and M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in nuclear engineering and engineering physics.
Nuclear engineering is defined as the application of nuclear and radiation processes in technology. An important application is the generation of electricity using nuclear reactors. Another important application is in medicine, where radiation and radioisotopes are used to diagnose and treat illness. Nuclear engineering offers students an important opportunity to help meet the energy needs of our society and to contribute to the improvement of health through medical applications. Further, because the nuclear engineering curriculum is very rich in engineering physics, graduates are prepared to work in a number of technical activities outside the nuclear engineering field.
Nuclear energy, both from fission and fusion, offers a promising approach to meeting the nation's energy needs—an approach that may preserve jobs, raise the standard of living of Americans, and alleviate the depletion of natural resources including natural gas, petroleum, and coal. Even more important, nuclear energy offers the only practical, environmentally benign approach to generating electricity on a large scale because it releases no harmful SO2, NOX, CO2, or particulate matter into the atmosphere. Nuclear energy has played, and continues to play, an important role in space exploration. Nuclear engineering has enabled the use of isotopic power supplies in deep space probes like the Cassini mission, and may eventually be used to design fission or fusion-based systems for more demanding missions
Since the discovery of fission many years ago, electricity is being produced commercially in a several hundred billion-dollar industry. Applications of radioactive tracers have been made in medicine, science, and industry. Radiation from particle accelerators and materials made radioactive in nuclear reactors are used worldwide to treat cancer and other diseases, to provide power for satellite instrumentation, to preserve food, to sterilize medical supplies, to search for faults in welds and piping, and to polymerize chemicals. Low energy plasmas are used in the manufacture of microelectronics components and to improve the surface characteristics of materials. High energy plasmas offer the possibility of a new energy source using thermonuclear fusion.
Because the breadth and rate of change in this field requires that the nuclear engineer have a broad educational background, the curriculum consists of physics, math, materials science, electronics, thermodynamics, heat transfer, computers, courses in the humanities and social science areas, and numerous elective courses. Courses of a specific nuclear engineering content come primarily in the third and fourth years.
The curriculum prepares students for careers in the nuclear industry and government—with electric utility companies, in regulatory positions with the federal or state governments, or for major contractors on the design and testing of improved reactors for central station power generation or for propulsion of naval vessels.
The curriculum also prepares the graduate for work in many areas where a broad technical background is more important than specialization in a specific field. Thus, the graduate is also prepared to work in any area where a broad engineering background is helpful, such as management, technical sales, or law. The curriculum gives students excellent preparation for graduate study in the fission and fusion areas, medical and health physics, applied superconductivity, particle accelerator technology, and other areas of engineering science in addition to study in areas such as materials science, physics, mathematics, and medicine.
OBJECTIVES OF THE NUCLEAR ENGINEERING PROGRAM
- educate students in the fundamental subjects necessary for a career in nuclear engineering, and prepare students for advanced education in it and related fields;
- educate students in the basics of instrumentation, design of laboratory techniques, measurement, and data acquisition, interpretation and analysis;
- educate students in the methodology of design;
- provide and facilitate teamwork and multidisciplinary experiences throughout the curriculum;
- foster the development of effective oral and written communication skills;
- expose students to environmental, ethical and contemporary issues.
ENGINEERING MECHANICS AND NUCLEAR ENGINEERING PROGRAM EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES
The faculty recognize that our graduates will choose to use the knowledge and skills they have acquired during their undergraduate years to pursue a wide variety of career and life goals and we encourage this diversity of paths. Regarding the Engineering Mechanics program, we initially expect graduates will begin their careers in fields that utilize their knowledge, education and training in solid mechanics, fluid mechanics and dynamics/vibration in a variety of jobs in mechanical, aerospace, manufacturing and other engineering fields. Similarly, regarding the Nuclear Engineering program, we initially expect graduates will begin their careers in fields that utilize their knowledge, education and training in the interaction of radiation with matter as it applies to power generation, health and medical physics, security and safeguards and other engineering fields.
Whatever path our graduates choose to pursue, our educational objectives for the nuclear engineering and engineering mechanics programs are to allow them to:
- Exhibit strong performance and continuous development in problem-solving, leadership, teamwork, and communication, initially applied to nuclear engineering or engineering mechanics, and demonstrating an unwavering commitment to excellence.
- Demonstrate continuing commitment to, and interest in, his or her training and education, as well as those of others.
- Transition seamlessly into a professional environment and make continuing, well-informed career choices.
- Contribute to their communities.
Admission to the College as a Freshman
Students applying to UW–Madison need to indicate an engineering major as their first choice in order to be considered for direct admission to the College of Engineering. Direct admission to a major means students will start in the program of their choice in the College of Engineering and will need to meet progression requirements at the end of the first year to guarantee advancement in that program.
Cross-Campus Transfer to Engineering
UW–Madison students in other schools and colleges on campus must meet the course and credit requirements for admission to engineering degree granting classifications specified in the general college requirements. The requirements are the minimum for admission consideration. Cross-campus admission is competitive and selective, and the grade point average expectations may increase as demand trends change. The student’s overall academic record at UW–Madison is also considered. Students apply to their intended engineering program by submitting the online application by stated deadlines for spring and fall. The College of Engineering offers an online information tutorial and drop-in advising for students to learn about the cross-campus transfer process.
Off-Campus Transfer to Engineering
With careful planning, students at other accredited institutions can transfer coursework that will apply toward engineering degree requirements at UW–Madison. Off-campus transfer applicants are considered for direct admission to the College of Engineering by applying to the Office of Admissions with an engineering major listed as their first choice. Those who are admitted to their intended engineering program must meet progression requirements at the point of transfer or within their first two semesters at UW–Madison to guarantee advancement in that program. A minimum of 30 credits in residence in the College of Engineering is required after transferring, and all students must meet all requirements for their major in the college. Transfer admission to the College of Engineering is competitive and selective, and students who have earned more than 80 transferable semester credits at the time of application are not eligible to apply.
The College of Engineering has dual degree programs with select four-year UW System campuses. Eligible dual degree applicants are not subject to the 80 credit limit.
Off-campus transfer students are encouraged to discuss their interests, academic background, and admission options with the Transfer Coordinator in the College of Engineering: ugtransfer@engr.wisc.edu or 608-262-2473.
Second Bachelor's Degree
The College of Engineering does not accept second undergraduate degree applications. Second degree students might explore the Biological Systems Engineering program at UW–Madison, an undergraduate engineering degree elsewhere, or a graduate program in the College of Engineering.
University General Education Requirements
All undergraduate students at the University of Wisconsin–Madison are required to fulfill a minimum set of common university general education requirements to ensure that every graduate acquires the essential core of an undergraduate education. This core establishes a foundation for living a productive life, being a citizen of the world, appreciating aesthetic values, and engaging in lifelong learning in a continually changing world. Various schools and colleges will have requirements in addition to the requirements listed below. Consult your advisor for assistance, as needed. For additional information, see the university Undergraduate General Education Requirements section of the Guide.
| General Education |
* The mortarboard symbol appears before the title of any course that fulfills one of the Communication Part A or Part B, Ethnic Studies, or Quantitative Reasoning Part A or Part B requirements. |
Nuclear Engineering Curriculum
The nuclear engineering curriculum is divided into two focus areas, one emphasizing nuclear power and one emphasizing medical and other non-power applications of radiation sciences. The power focus area is more appropriate for students seeking careers in the nuclear power industry, while the radiation sciences focus area is better suited for students interested in medical and non-power applications.
Power Focus Area Curriculum
The following curriculum applies to students who entered the program starting in Fall 2020.
Summary of Requirements
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Mathematics and Statistics | 22 | |
| Science | 13 | |
| Engineering Science | 31 | |
| Nuclear Engineering Core | 28 | |
| Nuclear Engineering Electives | 8 | |
| Introduction to Engineering | 3 | |
| Communication Skills | 8 | |
| Liberal Studies | 16 | |
| Total Credits | 129 | |
Mathematics and Statistics
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MATH 221 | Calculus and Analytic Geometry 1 | 5 |
| or MATH 217 | Calculus with Algebra and Trigonometry II | |
| or MATH 275 | Topics in Calculus I | |
| MATH 222 | Calculus and Analytic Geometry 2 | 4 |
| or MATH 276 | Topics in Calculus II | |
| MATH 234 | Calculus--Functions of Several Variables | 4 |
| MATH 320 | Linear Algebra and Differential Equations | 3 |
| MATH 321 | Applied Mathematical Analysis | 3 |
| STAT 324 | Introductory Applied Statistics for Engineers | 3 |
| Total Credits | 22 | |
Science
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select one of the following: | 5-9 | |
| Advanced General Chemistry | ||
| General Chemistry I and General Chemistry II | ||
| PHYSICS 202 | General Physics | 5 |
| or PHYSICS 208 | General Physics | |
| PHYSICS 241 | Introduction to Modern Physics | 3 |
| or PHYSICS 205 | Modern Physics for Engineers | |
| Total Credits | 13-17 | |
Engineering Science
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| E M A 201 | Statics | 3 |
| E M A 202 | Dynamics | 3 |
| or M E 240 | Dynamics | |
| E M A 303 | Mechanics of Materials | 3 |
| or M E 306 | Mechanics of Materials | |
| E P 271 | Engineering Problem Solving I | 3 |
| or COMP SCI 310 | Problem Solving Using Computers | |
| M S & E 350 | Introduction to Materials Science | 3 |
| M E 231 | Geometric Modeling for Design and Manufacturing | 3 |
| M E 361 | Thermodynamics | 3 |
| Select one of the following: | 4-6 | |
| Introductory Transport Phenomena | ||
| Fluid Dynamics and Elementary Heat Transfer | ||
| E C E 376 | Electrical and Electronic Circuits 1 | 3 |
| Computing Elective (select one of the following): | 3 | |
| Programming II | ||
| Introduction to Numerical Methods | ||
| Intermediate Problem Solving for Engineers | ||
| Introduction to Scientific Computing for Engineering Physics | ||
| Total Credits | 31-33 | |
| 1 | PHYSICS 321 Electric Circuits and Electronics is an acceptable substitute for E C E 376 Electrical and Electronic Circuits. |
Nuclear Engineering Core
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| N E 305 | Fundamentals of Nuclear Engineering | 3 |
| N E 405 | Nuclear Reactor Theory | 3 |
| N E 408 | Ionizing Radiation | 3 |
| N E 411 | Nuclear Reactor Engineering | 3 |
| N E 412 | Nuclear Reactor Design | 5 |
| N E/M S & E 423 | Nuclear Engineering Materials | 3 |
| N E 424 | Nuclear Materials Laboratory | 1 |
| N E 427 | Nuclear Instrumentation Laboratory | 2 |
| N E 428 | Nuclear Reactor Laboratory | 2 |
| N E 571 | Economic and Environmental Aspects of Nuclear Energy | 3 |
| Total Credits | 28 | |
Nuclear Engineering Electives
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Technical Electives | 2 | |
Technical Electives (not to be confused with Nuclear Engineering Electives or Medical Physics Electives) must be chosen from courses offered by the College of Engineering or by the departments of Physics, Mathematics, Computer Sciences, or Chemistry. | ||
| Nuclear Engineering Electives | 6 | |
Select credits from Nuclear Engineering Electives Course List below | ||
| Total Credits | 8 | |
Nuclear Engineering Electives Course List 1
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| N E 234 | Principles and Practice of Nuclear Reactor Operations | 4 |
| N E 406 | Nuclear Reactor Analysis | 3 |
| N E/M S & E 433 | Principles of Corrosion | 3 |
| N E/MED PHYS 506 | Monte Carlo Radiation Transport | 3 |
| M E/N E 520 | Two-Phase Flow and Heat Transfer | 3 |
| N E/E C E/PHYSICS 525 | Introduction to Plasmas | 3 |
| N E 536 | Feasibility St of Power from Controlled Thermonuclear Fusion | 3 |
| N E 541 | Radiation Damage in Metals | 3 |
| N E 550 | Advanced Nuclear Power Engineering | 3 |
| N E 555 | Nuclear Reactor Dynamics | 3 |
| N E/M E 565 | Power Plant Technology | 3 |
| N E/MED PHYS 569 | Health Physics and Biological Effects | 3-4 |
| N E/I SY E 574 | Methods for Probabilistic Risk Analysis of Nuclear Power Plants | 3 |
| N E 602 | Special Topics in Reactor Engineering | 0-3 |
Students are encouraged to access the online N E future course offering grid to plan their future course schedules and to confirm the offering of a course in the table.
| 1 | Courses meeting the Nuclear Engineering Electives requirement are all N E courses numbered above 200 that are not part of the required curriculum. No more than 3 credits of N E 699 Advanced Independent Study may be used to meet this requirement. (Refer to the NE handbook under Degree Information on the NE department website). |
Introduction to Engineering
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| INTEREGR 170 | Design Practicum | 3 |
| Total Credits | 3 | |
Communication Skills
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ENGL 100 | Introduction to College Composition | 3 |
| or LSC 100 | Science and Storytelling | |
| or COM ARTS 100 | Introduction to Speech Composition | |
| or ESL 118 | Academic Writing II | |
| E P D 275 | Technical Presentations | 2 |
| INTEREGR 397 | Engineering Communication (was EPD 397 before Fall 2020) | 3 |
| Total Credits | 8 | |
Liberal Studies Electives
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| College of Engineering Liberal Studies Requirements | ||
| Complete Requirements 1 | 16 | |
| Total Credits | 16 | |
| 1 | Students must take 16 credits that carry H, S, L, or Z breadth designators. These credits must fulfill the following subrequirements:
|
For information on credit load, adding or dropping courses, course substitutions, pass/fail, auditing courses, dean's honor list, repeating courses, probation, and graduation, see the College of Engineering Official Regulations.
Radiation Sciences Focus Area Curriculum
The following curriculum applies to students who entered the program starting in Fall 2020. Students wishing to select the Radiation Sciences focus area must have a 3.0 GPA and should send an email to the department Chair, Paul Wilson, chair@ep.wisc.edu including a copy of their transcript to show that they meet the GPA requirement and stating that they desire to declare the Radiation Sciences focus area; they should copy their academic advisor. Until this is done, the Power focus area is assumed.
Summary of Requirements
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Mathematics and Statistics | 22 | |
| Science | 16 | |
| Engineering Science | 28 | |
| Nuclear Engineering Core Requirement | 24 | |
| Radiation Sciences Electives | 11 | |
| Introduction to Engineering | 3 | |
| Communication Skills | 8 | |
| Liberal Studies | 16 | |
| Free Elective | 1 | |
| Total Credits | 129 | |
Mathematics and Statistics
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MATH 221 | Calculus and Analytic Geometry 1 | 5 |
| or MATH 217 | Calculus with Algebra and Trigonometry II | |
| or MATH 275 | Topics in Calculus I | |
| MATH 222 | Calculus and Analytic Geometry 2 | 4 |
| or MATH 276 | Topics in Calculus II | |
| MATH 234 | Calculus--Functions of Several Variables | 4 |
| MATH 320 | Linear Algebra and Differential Equations | 3 |
| MATH 321 | Applied Mathematical Analysis | 3 |
| STAT 324 | Introductory Applied Statistics for Engineers | 3 |
| Total Credits | 22 | |
Science
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select one of the following: | 5-10 | |
| Advanced General Chemistry | ||
| General Chemistry I and General Chemistry II | ||
| PHYSICS 202 | General Physics | 5 |
| or PHYSICS 208 | General Physics | |
| PHYSICS 241 | Introduction to Modern Physics | 3 |
| or PHYSICS 205 | Modern Physics for Engineers | |
| PHYSICS 322 | Electromagnetic Fields | 3 |
| Total Credits | 16-21 | |
Engineering Science
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| E C E 376 | Electrical and Electronic Circuits | 3 |
| or PHYSICS 321 | Electric Circuits and Electronics | |
| E M A 201 | Statics | 3 |
| E M A 202 | Dynamics | 3 |
| or M E 240 | Dynamics | |
| E M A 303 | Mechanics of Materials | 3 |
| or M E 306 | Mechanics of Materials | |
| E P 271 | Engineering Problem Solving I | 3 |
| or COMP SCI 310 | Problem Solving Using Computers | |
| M E 231 | Geometric Modeling for Design and Manufacturing | 3 |
| M E 361 | Thermodynamics | 3 |
| M S & E 350 | Introduction to Materials Science | 3 |
| N E 424 | Nuclear Materials Laboratory | 1 |
| Computing Elective (select one of the following): | 3 | |
| Programming II | ||
| Introduction to Numerical Methods | ||
| Intermediate Problem Solving for Engineers | ||
| Introduction to Scientific Computing for Engineering Physics | ||
| Total Credits | 28 | |
Nuclear Engineering Core Requirement
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Radiation Sciences Core | ||
| N E 305 | Fundamentals of Nuclear Engineering | 3 |
| N E 405 | Nuclear Reactor Theory | 3 |
| N E 408 | Ionizing Radiation | 3 |
| N E 412 | Nuclear Reactor Design | 5 |
| N E 427 | Nuclear Instrumentation Laboratory | 2 |
| N E 428 | Nuclear Reactor Laboratory | 2 |
| MED PHYS/B M E/H ONCOL/PHYSICS 501 | Radiation Physics and Dosimetry | 3 |
| N E 571 | Economic and Environmental Aspects of Nuclear Energy | 3 |
| Total Credits | 24 | |
Radiation Sciences Electives
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Technical Electives | 2 | |
Technical Electives (not to be confused with Nuclear Engineering Electives or Medical Physics Electives) must be chosen from courses offered by the College of Engineering or by the departments of Physics, Mathematics, Computer Sciences, or Chemistry. | ||
| Medical Physics Electives | 9 | |
Select credits from Medical Physics Electives Course List below | ||
| Total Credits | 11 | |
Medical Physics Electives Course List1
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MED PHYS/B M E 566 | Physics of Radiotherapy | 4 |
| MED PHYS/N E 569 | Health Physics and Biological Effects 2 | 3-4 |
| MED PHYS/B M E 573 | Medical Image Science: Mathematical and Conceptual Foundations | 3 |
| MED PHYS/B M E 574 | Imaging in Medicine: Applications | 3 |
| MED PHYS/B M E 578 | Non-Ionizing Diagnostic Imaging | 3 |
| MED PHYS/B M E 580 | The Physics of Medical Imaging with Ionizing Radiation | 4 |
| MED PHYS 588 | ||
| MED PHYS 671 | Selected Topics in Medical Physics 2 | 1-4 |
| MED PHYS 701 | Ethics and the responsible conduct of research and practice of Medical Physics | 1 |
Students are encouraged to access the online N E future course offering grid to plan their future course schedules and to confirm the offering of a course in the table.
| 1 | Courses meeting the Medical Physics Electives requirement are MED PHYS courses numbered 500 and above and selected PHYSICS courses at or above the 400 level. No more than 3 credits of N E 699 Advanced Independent Study may be used to meet this requirement. (Refer to the NE handbook under Degree Information on the NE department website.) |
| 2 | N E/MED PHYS 569 Health Physics and Biological Effects and MED PHYS 671 Selected Topics in Medical Physics are especially recommended for students in this focus area. |
Introduction to Engineering
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| INTEREGR 170 | Design Practicum | 3 |
| Total Credits | 3 | |
Communication Skills
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ENGL 100 | Introduction to College Composition | 3 |
| or LSC 100 | Science and Storytelling | |
| or COM ARTS 100 | Introduction to Speech Composition | |
| or ESL 118 | Academic Writing II | |
| E P D 275 | Technical Presentations | 2 |
| INTEREGR 397 | Engineering Communication (was EPD 397 before Fall 2020) | 3 |
| Total Credits | 8 | |
Liberal Studies Electives
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| College of Engineering Liberal Studies Requirements | ||
| Complete Requirements 1 | 16 | |
| Total Credits | 16 | |
| 1 | Students must take 16 credits that carry H, S, L, or Z breadth designators. These credits must fulfill the following subrequirements:
|
For information on credit load, adding or dropping courses, course substitutions, pass/fail, auditing courses, dean's honor list, repeating courses, probation, and graduation, see the College of Engineering Official Regulations.
Honors in Undergraduate Research Program
Qualified undergraduates may earn an Honor in Research designation on their transcript and diploma by completing 8 credits of undergraduate honors research, including a senior thesis. Further information is available in the department office.
University Degree Requirements
| Total Degree | To receive a bachelor's degree from UW–Madison, students must earn a minimum of 120 degree credits. The requirements for some programs may exceed 120 degree credits. Students should consult with their college or department advisor for information on specific credit requirements. |
| Residency | Degree candidates are required to earn a minimum of 30 credits in residence at UW–Madison. "In residence" means on the UW–Madison campus with an undergraduate degree classification. “In residence” credit also includes UW–Madison courses offered in distance or online formats and credits earned in UW–Madison Study Abroad/Study Away programs. |
| Quality of Work | Undergraduate students must maintain the minimum grade point average specified by the school, college, or academic program to remain in good academic standing. Students whose academic performance drops below these minimum thresholds will be placed on academic probation. |
- an ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics
- an ability to apply engineering design to produce solutions that meet specified needs with consideration of public health, safety, and welfare, as well as global, cultural, social, environmental, and economic factors
- an ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences
- an ability to recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations and make informed judgments, which must consider the impact of engineering solutions in global, economic, environmental, and societal contexts
- an ability to function effectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative and inclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives
- an ability to develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions
- an ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies.
Power Focus Area in Nuclear Engineering
SAMPLE FOUR-YEAR PLAN
| First Year | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| CHEM 1091 | 5 | E M A 2013 | 3 |
| MATH 221 | 5 | MATH 222 | 4 |
| Communication A | 3 | M E 231 | 3 |
| INTEREGR 1702 | 3 | M S & E 350 | 3 |
| Liberal Studies Elective | 3 | ||
| 16 | 16 | ||
| Second Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| MATH 234 | 4 | MATH 320 | 3 |
| PHYSICS 202 | 5 | PHYSICS 241 or 205 | 3 |
| E M A 2024 | 3 | M E 361 | 3 |
| E P 271 or COMP SCI 310 | 3 | E M A 3034 | 3 |
| E P D 275 or COM ARTS 105 | 2 | N E 424 | 1 |
| Liberal Studies Elective | 3 | ||
| 17 | 16 | ||
| Third Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| N E 305 | 3 | N E 405 | 3 |
| MATH 321 | 3 | N E 408 | 3 |
| STAT 3245 | 3 | CBE/B M E 3206 | 4 |
| Technical Elective | 2 | Computing Elective | 3 |
| Liberal Studies Elective | 4 | E C E 376 | 3 |
| 15 | 16 | ||
| Fourth Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| N E 411 | 3 | N E 412 | 5 |
| N E 427 | 2 | N E 428 | 2 |
| N E/M S & E 423 | 3 | N E 571 | 3 |
| Nuclear Engineering Elective | 3 | Nuclear Engineering Elective | 3 |
| Liberal Studies Elective | 3 | Liberal Studies Elective | 3 |
| INTEREGR 397 (was EPD 397) | 3 | ||
| 17 | 16 | ||
| Total Credits 129 | |||
| 1 | It is recommended that students take CHEM 109 Advanced General Chemistry for 5 credits. However, depending on their high school chemistry experience, students may substitute CHEM 103 General Chemistry I and CHEM 104 General Chemistry II for a total of 9 credits. Three credits of CHEM 103/CHEM 104 may be counted towards Technical Electives credits. |
| 2 | Students who were not able to take INTEREGR 170 Design Practicum as freshmen may, with the approval of their advisor, substitute a course offered in the College of Engineering or in the Departments of Chemistry, Computer Sciences, Mathematics, and Physics. |
| 3 | Students may substitute PHYSICS 201 General Physics, 5 credits, for E M A 201 Statics, 3 credits, with the approval of their advisor. |
| 4 | After completing E M A 201 Statics, students may take E M A 202 Dynamics and E M A 303 Mechanics of Materials in either order or concurrently. |
| 5 | STAT 311 Introduction to Theory and Methods of Mathematical Statistics I or STAT/M E 424 Statistical Experimental Design are acceptable substitutes. |
| 6 | M E 363 Fluid Dynamics and M E 364 Elementary Heat Transfer are acceptable substitutions for CBE/B M E 320 Introductory Transport Phenomena. |
Radiation Sciences Focus Area in Nuclear Engineering
Sample FOUR YEAR PLAN
| First Year | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| CHEM 1091 | 5 | E M A 2013 | 3 |
| MATH 221 | 5 | MATH 222 | 4 |
| Communication A | 3 | M E 231 | 3 |
| INTEREGR 1702 | 3 | M S & E 350 | 3 |
| Liberal Studies Elective | 3 | ||
| 16 | 16 | ||
| Second Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| MATH 234 | 4 | MATH 320 | 3 |
| PHYSICS 202 | 5 | PHYSICS 241 or 205 | 3 |
| E M A 2024 | 3 | M E 361 | 3 |
| E P 271 or COMP SCI 310 | 3 | E M A 3034 | 3 |
| E P D 275 or COM ARTS 105 | 2 | N E 424 | 1 |
| Liberal Studies Elective | 3 | ||
| 17 | 16 | ||
| Third Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| N E 305 | 3 | N E 405 | 3 |
| MATH 321 | 3 | N E 408 | 3 |
| STAT 3245 | 3 | PHYSICS 322 | 3 |
| Technical Elective6 | 2 | Computing Elective | 3 |
| Liberal Studies Elective | 4 | E C E 376 or PHYSICS 321 | 3 |
| Free Elective | 1 | ||
| 15 | 16 | ||
| Fourth Year | |||
| Fall | Credits | Spring | Credits |
| N E 427 | 2 | N E 412 | 5 |
| MED PHYS/B M E/H ONCOL/PHYSICS 501 | 3 | N E 571 | 3 |
| Medical Physics Elective | 3 | N E 428 | 2 |
| Medical Physics Elective | 3 | Medical Physics Elective | 3 |
| Liberal Studies Elective | 3 | Liberal Studies Elective | 3 |
| INTEREGR 397 (was EPD 397) | 3 | ||
| 17 | 16 | ||
| Total Credits 129 | |||
| 1 | It is recommended that students take CHEM 109 Advanced General Chemistry for 5 credits. However, depending on their high school chemistry experience, students may substitute this with CHEM 103 General Chemistry I and CHEM 104 General Chemistry II for a total of 9 credits. Three credits of CHEM 103/CHEM 104 may be counted as Technical Electives credits. |
| 2 | Students who were not able to take INTEREGR 170 Design Practicum as freshmen may, with the approval of their advisor, substitute a course offered in the College of Engineering or in the Departments of Chemistry, Computer Science, Mathematics, and Physics. |
| 3 | Students may substitute PHYSICS 201 General Physics, 5 credits, for E M A 201 Statics, 3 credits, with the approval of their advisor. |
| 4 | After completing E M A 201 Statics, students may complete E M A 202 Dynamics and E M A 303 Mechanics of Materials in either order or concurrently. |
| 5 | STAT 311 Introduction to Theory and Methods of Mathematical Statistics I or STAT/M E 424 Statistical Experimental Design are acceptable substitutes. |
| 6 | PHYSICS 623 Electronic Aids to Measurement is recommended for students in the Radiation Sciences focus area. |
Advising
Each College of Engineering program has academic advisors dedicated to serving its students. Program advisors can help current College of Engineering students with questions about accessing courses, navigating degree requirements, resolving academic issues and more. Students can find their assigned advisor on the homepage of their student center.
Continuing students who have fulfilled the progression requirements will also be assigned a Nuclear Engineering faculty advisor. Before enrolling in courses each semester, students must meet with their faculty advisor for assistance in planning courses and reviewing degree requirements. Faculty advisors are a valuable resource, as they can provide students with in-depth guidance on course content, internship and job opportunities, research, and more.
Engineering Career Services
Engineering Career Services (ECS) assists students in identifying pre-professional work-based learning experiences such as co-ops and summer internships, considering and applying to graduate or professional school, and finding full-time professional employment during their graduation year.
ECS offers two major career fairs per year, assists with resume writing and interviewing skills, hosts workshops on the job search, and meets one-on-one with students to discuss offer negotiations.
Students are encouraged to utilize the ECS office early in their academic careers. For comprehensive information on ECS programs and workshops, see the ECS website or call 608-262-3471.
PROFESSORS
Paul Wilson (Chair)
Matt Allen
Riccardo Bonazza
Curt A. Bronkhorst
Wendy Crone
Chris Hegna
Douglass Henderson
Roderic Lakes
Oliver Schmitz
Carl Sovinec
Kumar Sridharan
Fabian Waleffe
ASSISTANT PROFESSORS
Jennifer Choy
Adrien Couet
Stephanie Diem
Jennifer Franck
Benedikt Geiger
Ben Lindley
Jacob Notbohm
Ramathasan Thevamaran
Yongfeng Zhang
See also Engineering Physics Faculty Directory.
Facilities
Facilities available for instruction and research include:
Nuclear Reactor Laboratory
Nuclear Instrumentation Laboratory
Fluid Mechanics and Heat Transfer Laboratories
Plasma Physics Laboratories
Superconductivity and Cryogenics Laboratories
Instructional Computing Labs (in Computer Aided Engineering)
Scholarships
Most financial assistance is awarded through the Office of Student Financial Aid (333 E. Campus Mall RM 9701, 262-3060). Some financial assistance is also available from the College of Engineering. Please see your academic advisor or Student Services Center, 1410 Engineering Drive, for more information. The Department has a limited amount of scholarship funds that are awarded on a merit basis, usually at the beginning of the fall semester. An application for departmental scholarships is not necessary; all students are automatically considered in the competition for departmental scholarships.
Accreditation.
Accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, http://www.abet.org.
Note: Undergraduate Program Educational Objectives and Student Outcomes are made publicly available at the Departmental website. (In this Guide, the program's Student Outcomes are designated by our campus as "Learning Outcomes.")