VVZ API is not affiliated with ETH Zurich. Data might be outdated or incorrect. Please view the official ETHZ Vorlesungsverzeichnis for binding information.

151-0163-00L 4 Credits BSC , MSC D-MAVT , D-PHYS , D-GESS , D-ITET

Nuclear Energy Conversion

Lecturers & Examiners: Prof. Dr. Annalisa Manera
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-06-03 00:07:42

Abstract

Phyisical fundamentals of the fission reaction and the sustainable chain reaction, thermal design, construction, function and operation of nuclear reactors and power plants, light water reactors and other reactor types, conversion and breeding, radioactive dose and limits, nuclear waste.

Objective

Students get an overview on energy conversion in nuclear power plants, on construction and function of the most important types of nuclear reactors with special emphasis to light water reactors. They obtain the mathematical/physical basis for quantitative assessments concerning most relevant aspects of design, dynamic behaviour as well as material and energy flows, and basics on radioactive doses and radioactive waste disposal.

Content

Nuclear physics of fission and chain reaction. Themodynamics of nuclear reactors. Design of the rector core. Introduction into the dynamic behaviour of nuclear reactors. Overview on types of nuclear reactors, difference between thermal reactors and fast breaders. Construction and operation of nuclear power plants with pressurized and boiling water reactors, role and function of the most important safety systems, special features of the energy conversion. Development tendencies of rector technology.

Resources

Lecture Notes

Hand-outs will be distributed. Additional literature and information on the course moodle website

Literature

S. Glasston & A. Sesonke: Nuclear Reactor Engineering, Reactor System Engineering, Ed. 4, Vol. 2., Springer-Science+Business Media, B.V. R. L. Murray: Nuclear Energy (Sixth Edition), An Introduction to the Concepts, Systems, and Applications of Nuclear Processes, Elsevier

General Information

Language
English
Levels
BSC , MSC
Frequency
Yearly recurring

Examination

Type
end-of-semester examination
Mode
written 120 minutes
Aids
None

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
lecture Nuclear Energy Conversion
The course starts in the second week.
No time listed 2 h weekly
exercise Nuclear Energy Conversion
The course starts in the second week.
No time listed 1 h weekly

Offered In

  • Mechanical Engineering Bachelor
    • Bachelor Studies (Programme Regulations 2022)
      • Focus Specialization
        • Sustainable Energy and Processes (Focus Coordinator: Prof. Mark Tibbitt In order to achieve the required 20 credit points for the Focus Specialization Sustainable Energy and Processes you need to pass at least 2 core courses (W+) and at least 2 of the elective courses, according to the presentation of the Focus Specialization. If needed, an additional course from the D-MAVT course offerings (151-…) at the 3rd-year Bachelor level can be selected.)
  • Mechanical Engineering Master
    • Core Courses (The Core Courses in the Master’s program Mechanical Engineering listed below are indicative and include courses designed by the Department at the Master's level. With the approval of the tutor, students may also select Master's-level courses offered by other departments at ETH. These courses will be marked as non-regular in the LAG, but their categorization as Core Courses is possible if included in the approved LAG.)
  • Energy Science and Technology Master
    • Electives (These courses are particularly recommended, other ETH-courses from the field of Energy Science and Technology at large may be chosen in accordance with your tutor.)
  • Physics Master
    • Electives
      • General Electives (Students may choose General Electives from the entire course programme of ETH Zurich - with the following restrictions: courses that belong to the first or second year of a Bachelor curriculum at ETH Zurich as well as courses from GESS "Science in Perspective" are not eligible here. The following courses are explicitly recommended to physics students by their lecturers. (Courses in this list may be assigned to the category "General Electives" directly in myStudies. For the category assignment of other eligible courses keep the choice "no category" and take contact with the Study Administration ( ) after having received the credits.))
  • Science, Technology, and Policy Master