Nuclear Science Minor

Nuclear Science Minor

Nuclear Science

Minor

Nuclear science studies the energy that is released by the atomic nucleus. Applications extend into the fields of electric power, medicine, nuclear weapons, and nuclear weapons effects.

This interdisciplinary minor aims to produce graduates who understand clearly the benefits and risks of nuclear technologies. It draws widely from mathematics, physics, and mechanics, with special emphasis on applied physics and the thermal-hydraulic aspects of mechanical engineering. The management of engineering is also addressed through decision analysis and economic analysis. The nuclear engineering student will gain a broad background for further study in graduate school and Army assignments requiring expertise in mechanical engineering, applied radiation physics, nuclear weapons and weapons effects, or any of a variety of related topics. To learn more about this area of study, visit the Department of Physics and Nuclear Engineering.

Required Courses

NE300 FUNDAMENTALS OF NUCLEAR ENGR  

NE355 NUCLEAR REACTOR ENGINEERING  

NE452 INSTRUMENTATION AND SHIELDING

 

Sample Electives

NE361 COMPUTATIONAL DESIGN IN NE 

NE474 RADIOLOGICAL SAFETY

NE350 RADIOLOGICAL ENGR DESIGN

NE361 COMPUTATIONAL DESIGN IN NE

NE450 NUCLEAR WEAPONS EFFECTS

NE350 RADIOLOGICAL ENGR DESIGN

NE450 NUCLEAR WEAPONS EFFECTS 

NE474 RADIOLOGICAL SAFETY

 

To learn more, view the full Nuclear Science Minor Curriculum.

Cadets who minor in nuclear engineering have the opportunity to work with the West Point Nuclear Science and Engineering Research Center; to apply for a summer Academic Individual Advanced Development (AIAD) program, USMA-run academic enrichment experience; to join the Nuclear Engineering Club; and to apply for membership in the American Nuclear Society’s Alpha Nu Sigma National Honor Society. To learn more about enrichment for this area of study, visit the Department of Physics and Nuclear Engineering or the Nuclear Science and Engineering Research Center.