Introduction to nuclear engineering and ionizing radiation

Lectures: 2 sessions / week, 1.5 hours / session

Recitations: 1 session / week, 2 hours / session

This course, which is the first subject in the Nuclear Science and Engineering undergraduate degree sequence, has no prerequisites. It is generally taken in the first semester of sophomore year, after two semesters of freshman calculus and physics.

Radiation is the central aspect which makes Nuclear Science and Engineering (NSE) its own discipline, and sets the foundation for almost all of modern physics. We will begin by retracing the steps of famous radiation experiments and hypotheses. Next we will set the stage and context for our study of radiation, by showing details of the systems and reactors which use radiation. The rest of the course (about 75%) will be dedicated to describing the origins, interactions, uses, detection, and biological / chemical effects of ionizing radiation.

Yip, Sidney. Nuclear Radiation Interactions. World Scientific Publishing Company, 2014. ISBN: 9789814368070.

Working together is OK! If you work in a team, you must:

In addition, all students must read the MIT guidelines on academic honesty and integrity.

10% of the value of a given assignment will be deducted for each calendar day late.

Session Key:

L = Lecture

R = Recitation

Q = Quiz or exam

Quiz 1 review

Myth-busting the Shroud of Turin

Neutronics and neutron interactions

Effective shielding and detection

The Demon core

"Arguing with Greenpeace" debate

Irradiated food party

Quiz 3 review

Don't show me this again

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