MPhil (Nuclear Science and Technology)
Course Overview
Nuclear power and/or nuclear energy is the use of nuclear reactions to produce electricity. The Department of Physics, KNUST has trained students in Biomedical or Nuclear option. Over the years the Department has succeeded in realizing its mission of producing high calibre and competitive physicists who do not only contribute immensely to the development of the country but also fit very well into the global physics community. The bulk of all physicists produced in the country are from this Department. About 80% Physicists at the Atomic Energy Commission trace their roots to this Department. Ghana has always had nuclear goals with the establishment of the Ghana Atomic Energy Committee in 1961 and the operation of a 2MW research reactor the GHARR-1 since 1992. The School of Nuclear and Allied Sciences (SNAS) has also been established since 2008 for the training of nuclear scientists and engineers to support the nuclear industry. Nuclear power contributes about 15% to the global electricity generation, and is the second-largest low-carbon power source after hydroelectricity. As 2021, there are 442 civilian fission reactors in the world, with a combined electrical capacity of 392 gigawatt (GW). There are also 53 nuclear power reactors under construction and 98 reactors planned. Nuclear power has a contribution towards the climate change goal of the 2015 Paris agreement which the Country, Ghana would have a part to play in when the Department of Physics continues to undertake its high level of research as mandated.
Aims:
The main aim an MPhil degree programme in Nuclear Science and Technology which is geared towards the training of students to equip them with knowledge, skills and expertise to enable them to effectively manage and implement the varied areas of application of nuclear science and technology for socio-economic development of Ghana and the world at large.
Objectives
The objective of the programme is to build human capacity by training and producing graduates with the following qualities:
-
High quality fundamental and advanced nuclear science and technology concepts
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Up to date current knowledge and skills in nuclear reactor power operations and management, including applications and research purposes for the benefit of society
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Expert knowledge in nuclear science and technology in the context of the Ghana Research Reactor and the envisaged Nuclear Power Plant for power generation in Ghana
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Expert knowledge in International Protocols as set out by the IAEA, and their adherence in the operations and management of nuclear reactors and nuclear materials in Ghana
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Social, economic and management qualities
Structure of the programme
1 Theory (T) = 1 Credit (C) and 4 Practical (P) = 1 Credit (C)
-
Year One (1) Semester One (1)
Code
Course Name
T
P
C
PHYN 551
Radiation Physics and Detection
2
4
3
PHYN 553
Nuclear Safety, Security and Safeguards
3
0
3
PHYN 555
Nuclear Law, Regulations and Legislation
3
0
3
PHYS 551
Theory of Fields
3
0
3
PHYC 581
Advanced Programming I
2
4
3
Electives: (Choice of one)
MATH 581
Advanced Analysis and Algebra
3
0
3
MATH 583
Advanced Numerical Methods
2
4
3
Total
15,16
8,12
18
-
Year One (1) Semester Two (2)
Core Courses
Code
Course Name
T
P
C
PHY 572
Research Methods for Physics
2
4
3
Total
2
4
3
Areas of Specialization
-
Nuclear Physics
-
Code
Course Name
T
P
C
PHYN 554
Advanced Nuclear Physics and Neutronics
3
0
3
PHYN 558
Nuclear Materials
2
4
3
PHYN 562
Thermodynamics & Fluid mechanics
3
0
3
PHYN 588
Radiation Biology and Protection
2
4
3
PHYS 554
Advanced Quantum Mechanics
3
0
3
Total
15
12
18
b. Nuclear Energy
-
Code
Course Name
T
P
C
PHYN 554
Advanced Nuclear Physics and Neutronics
3
0
3
PHYN 558
Nuclear Materials
2
4
3
PHYN 562
Thermodynamics & Fluid mechanics
3
0
3
PHYS 554
Advanced Quantum Mechanics
3
0
3
Electives: (Choice of one)
PHYN 574
Nuclear Fuel Cycle and Waste Management
2
4
3
PHYN 576
Nuclear Systems and Equipment
2
4
3
PHYN 578
Energy Production and Technology
2
4
3
Total
15
12
18
c. Radiation Protection and Disaster Management
-
Code
Course Name
T
P
C
PHYN 582
Risk Assessment and Disaster Management
2
4
3
PHYN 584
Nuclear and Radiological Emergencies
2
4
3
PHYN 586
Seismology
3
0
3
PHYN 588
Radiation Biology and Protection
2
4
3
Total
11
16
15
For more details, see link below:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1ZYrAuu-Cqv7k8Pbu0A9ZMrN2_WVjuEXT