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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. Initially, we expect graduates will begin their careers in fields that utilize their knowledge, education and training in solid mechanics and fluid mechanics as it applies to aeronautics/astronautics and mechanics in design and manufacturing.

Whatever path our graduates choose to pursue, our educational objectives for the nuclear engineering and engineering mechanics programs are to allow them to:

  1. 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.
  2. Demonstrate continuing commitment to, and interest in, his or her training and education, as well as those of others.
  3. Transition seamlessly into a professional environment and make continuing, well-informed career choices.
  4. 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.

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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
  • Breadth—Humanities/Literature/Arts: 6 credits
  • Breadth—Natural Science: 4 to 6 credits, consisting of one 4- or 5-credit course with a laboratory component; or two courses providing a total of 6 credits
  • Breadth—Social Studies: 3 credits
  • Communication Part A & Part B *
  • Ethnic Studies *
  • Quantitative Reasoning Part A & Part B *

* 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 options, one emphasizing nuclear power and one emphasizing medical and other nonpower applications of radiation sciences. The power option is more appropriate for students seeking careers in the nuclear power industry, while the radiation sciences option is better suited for students interested in medical and non-power applications.

Power Option Curriculum

The following curriculum applies to students who entered the program after fall 2018.

Summary of Requirements

Mathematics and Statistics22
Science13
Engineering Science32
Nuclear Engineering Core24
Nuclear Engineering Electives11
Introduction to Engineering3
Communication Skills8
Liberal Studies16
Total Credits129

Mathematics and Statistics

MATH 221 Calculus and Analytic Geometry 15
or MATH 217 Calculus with Algebra and Trigonometry II
or MATH 275 Topics in Calculus I
MATH 222 Calculus and Analytic Geometry 24
or MATH 276 Topics in Calculus II
MATH 234 Calculus--Functions of Several Variables4
MATH 320 Linear Algebra and Differential Equations3
MATH 321 Applied Mathematical Analysis3
STAT 324 Introductory Applied Statistics for Engineers3
or STAT 311 Introduction to Theory and Methods of Mathematical Statistics I
or STAT/​MATH  431 Introduction to the Theory of Probability
Total Credits22

Science

Select one of the following:5-9
CHEM 109
 Advanced General Chemistry
CHEM 103
& CHEM 104
 General Chemistry I
and General Chemistry II
PHYSICS 202 General Physics5
or PHYSICS 208 General Physics
PHYSICS 241 Introduction to Modern Physics3
or PHYSICS 205 Modern Physics for Engineers
Total Credits13-17

Engineering Science

E M A 201 Statics3
E M A 202 Dynamics3
or M E 240 Dynamics
E M A 303 Mechanics of Materials3
or M E 306 Mechanics of Materials
E M A/​M E  307 Mechanics of Materials Lab1
E P 271 Engineering Problem Solving I3
or COMP SCI 310 Problem Solving Using Computers
M S & E 350 Introduction to Materials Science3
M E 231 Geometric Modeling for Design and Manufacturing3
M E 361 Thermodynamics3
CBE/​B M E  320 Introductory Transport Phenomena (or M E 363 and M E 364)4
E C E 376 Electrical and Electronic Circuits3
or PHYSICS 321 Electric Circuits and Electronics
Computing Elective (select one)3
COMP SCI 300
 Programming II
COMP SCI 412
 Introduction to Numerical Methods
E M A/​E P  471
 Intermediate Problem Solving for Engineers
E M A/​E P  476
 Introduction to Scientific Computing for Engineering Physics
Total Credits32

Nuclear Engineering Core

N E 305 Fundamentals of Nuclear Engineering3
N E 405 Nuclear Reactor Theory3
N E 408 Ionizing Radiation3
N E 411 Nuclear Reactor Engineering3
N E 412 Nuclear Reactor Design5
N E 427 Nuclear Instrumentation Laboratory2
N E 428 Nuclear Reactor Laboratory2
N E 571 Economic and Environmental Aspects of Nuclear Energy3
Total Credits24

Nuclear Engineering Electives

Technical Electives2
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 Electives9
Select credits in the power track
Total Credits11

Nuclear Engineering Electives Course List 1

N E 234 Principles and Practice of Nuclear Reactor Operations4
N E 406 Nuclear Reactor Analysis3
N E/​M S & E  423 Nuclear Engineering Materials3
N E 424 Nuclear Materials Laboratory1
N E/​CIV ENGR/​I SY E  460 Uncertainty Analysis for Engineers3
N E/​MED PHYS  506 Monte Carlo Radiation Transport3
M E/​N E  520 Two-Phase Flow and Heat Transfer3
N E/​E C E/​PHYSICS  525 Introduction to Plasmas3
N E 536 Feasibility St of Power from Controlled Thermonuclear Fusion3
N E 541 Radiation Damage in Metals3
N E 550 Advanced Nuclear Power Engineering3
N E 555 Nuclear Reactor Dynamics3
N E/​M E  565 Power Plant Technology3
N E/​MED PHYS  569 Health Physics and Biological Effects3-4
N E/​I SY E  574 Methods for Probabilistic Risk Analysis of Nuclear Power Plants3

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.

Introduction to Engineering

INTEREGR 170 Design Practicum3
Total Credits3

Communication Skills

ENGL 100 Introduction to College Composition3
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 Presentations2
E P D 397 Technical Communication3
Total Credits8

Liberal Studies Electives

College of Engineering Liberal Studies Requirements
Complete Requirements 116
Total Credits16

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 Track Curriculum

The following curriculum applies to students who entered the program after fall 2018. Students selecting the radiation sciences option must submit an option declaration form to the department office.

Summary of Requirements

Mathematics and Statistics22
Science16
Engineering Science28
Nuclear Engineering Core Requirement24
Radiation Sciences Electives11
Introduction to Engineering3
Communication Skills8
Liberal Studies16
Free Elective1
Total Credits129

Mathematics and Statistics

MATH 221 Calculus and Analytic Geometry 15
or MATH 217 Calculus with Algebra and Trigonometry II
or MATH 275 Topics in Calculus I
MATH 222 Calculus and Analytic Geometry 24
or MATH 276 Topics in Calculus II
MATH 234 Calculus--Functions of Several Variables4
MATH 320 Linear Algebra and Differential Equations3
MATH 321 Applied Mathematical Analysis3
STAT 324 Introductory Applied Statistics for Engineers3
or STAT 311 Introduction to Theory and Methods of Mathematical Statistics I
or STAT/​MATH  431 Introduction to the Theory of Probability
Total Credits22

Science 

Select one of the following:5-10
CHEM 109
 Advanced General Chemistry
CHEM 103
& CHEM 104
 General Chemistry I
and General Chemistry II
PHYSICS 202 General Physics5
or PHYSICS 208 General Physics
PHYSICS 241 Introduction to Modern Physics3
or PHYSICS 205 Modern Physics for Engineers
PHYSICS 322 Electromagnetic Fields3
Total Credits16-21

Engineering Science 

E M A 201 Statics3
E M A 202 Dynamics3
or M E 240 Dynamics
E M A 303 Mechanics of Materials3
or M E 306 Mechanics of Materials
E M A/​M E  307 Mechanics of Materials Lab1
E P 271 Engineering Problem Solving I3
or COMP SCI 310 Problem Solving Using Computers
M E 231 Geometric Modeling for Design and Manufacturing3
M S & E 350 Introduction to Materials Science3
M E 361 Thermodynamics3
E C E 376 Electrical and Electronic Circuits3
or PHYSICS 321 Electric Circuits and Electronics
Computing Elective (select one)3
COMP SCI 300
 Programming II
COMP SCI 412
 Introduction to Numerical Methods
E M A/​E P  471
 Intermediate Problem Solving for Engineers
E M A/​E P  476
 Introduction to Scientific Computing for Engineering Physics
Total Credits28

Nuclear Engineering Core Requirement 

Radiation Sciences Core
N E 305 Fundamentals of Nuclear Engineering3
N E 405 Nuclear Reactor Theory3
N E 408 Ionizing Radiation3
N E 412 Nuclear Reactor Design5
N E 427 Nuclear Instrumentation Laboratory2
N E 428 Nuclear Reactor Laboratory2
MED PHYS/​B M E/​H ONCOL/​PHYSICS  501 Radiological Physics and Dosimetry3
N E 571 Economic and Environmental Aspects of Nuclear Energy3
Total Credits24

Radiation Sciences Electives

Technical Electives2
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 Electives9
Select credits in the radiation sciences track
Total Credits11

Medical Physics Electives Course List1 

MED PHYS/​H ONCOL  410 Radiobiology2-3
MED PHYS/​PHYSICS  563 Radionuclides in Medicine and Biology2-3
MED PHYS/​B M E  566 Physics of Radiotherapy4
MED PHYS/​B M E  567 The Physics of Diagnostic Radiology4
MED PHYS/​N E  569 Health Physics and Biological Effects3-4
MED PHYS/​B M E  573 Medical Image Science: Mathematical and Conceptual Foundations3
MED PHYS/​B M E  578 Non-Ionizing Diagnostic Imaging3

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. 

 Introduction to Engineering

INTEREGR 170 Design Practicum3
Total Credits3

Communication Skills 

ENGL 100 Introduction to College Composition3
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 Presentations2
E P D 397 Technical Communication3
Total Credits8

 Liberal Studies Electives

College of Engineering Liberal Studies Requirements
Complete Requirements 116
Total Credits16

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.
  1. an ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applying principles of engineering, science, and mathematics
  2. 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
  3. an ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences
  4. 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
  5. 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
  6. an ability to develop and conduct appropriate experimentation, analyze and interpret data, and use engineering judgment to draw conclusions
  7. an ability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies.

SAMPLE FOUR-YEAR PLAN

First Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
CHEM 10915E M A 20133
MATH 2215MATH 2224
Communication A3M E 2313
INTEREGR 17023M S & E 3503
 Liberal Studies Elective3
 16 16
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
MATH 2344MATH 3203
PHYSICS 2025PHYSICS 241 or 2053
E M A 20243M E 3613
E P 271 or COMP SCI 3103E M A 30343
E P D 275 or COM ARTS 1052E M A/​M E  30741
 Liberal Studies Elective3
 17 16
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
N E 3053N E 4053
MATH 3213N E 4083
STAT 3243CBE/​B M E  32054
Technical Elective2Computing Elective3
Liberal Studies Elective4E C E 376 or PHYSICS 3213
 15 16
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
N E 4113N E 4125
N E 4272N E 4282
Nuclear Engineering Elective3N E 5713
Nuclear Engineering Elective3Nuclear Engineering Elective3
Liberal Studies Elective3Liberal Studies Elective3
E P D 3973 
 17 16
Total Credits 129

Radiation Sciences Option in Nuclear Engineering

EXAMPLE FOUR YEAR PLAN

First Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
CHEM 10915E M A 20133
MATH 2215MATH 2224
Communication A3M E 2313
INTEREGR 17023M S & E 3503
 Liberal Studies Elective3
 16 16
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
MATH 2344MATH 3203
PHYSICS 2025PHYSICS 241 or 2053
E M A 20243M E 3613
E P 271 or COMP SCI 3103E M A 30343
E P D 275 or COM ARTS 1052E M A/​M E  30741
 Liberal Studies Elective3
 17 16
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
N E 3053N E 4053
MATH 3213N E 4083
STAT 3243PHYSICS 3223
Technical Elective52Computing Elective3
Liberal Studies Elective4E C E 376 or PHYSICS 3213
 Free Elective1
 15 16
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits
N E 4272N E 4125
MED PHYS/​B M E/​H ONCOL/​PHYSICS  5013N E 5713
Medical Physics Elective3N E 4282
Medical Physics Elective3Medical Physics Elective3
Liberal Studies Elective3Liberal Studies Elective3
E P D 3973 
 17 16
Total Credits 129

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

Henderson (chair)
Blanchard
Bonazza
Bronkhorst
Crone
Fonck
Hegna
Lakes
Schmitz
Smith (also Mathematics)
Sovinec
Waleffe (also Mathematics)
Wilson

ASSOCIATE PROFESSORS

M. Allen
Witt

ASSISTANT PROFESSORS

Choy
Couet
Franck
Geiger
Notbohm
Thevamaran

See department website for list.

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)

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.")