Course detail

Radioecology, Nuclear Chemistry and Technology

FCH-MA_ENG5Acad. year: 2021/2022

This course presents to students the question of radionuclide occurence and behaviour in the environment, the natural and artificial sources of radionuclides and their influence on the human organism, and finally with the methods of radionuclide monitoring in the environment. Also, it includes fundamental definitions, the subject of nuclear chemistry, basic properties of radionuclides and ionizing radiation, radioactivity, nuclear transformations, nuclear reactions, ionizing radiation and radionuclides in environment. The use of radionuclides and ionizing radiation, technology of nuclear chemistry and waster treatment technologies.

Language of instruction

English

Number of ECTS credits

Mode of study

Not applicable.

Guarantor

Ing. Ota Fišera, Ph.D.

Department

Institute of Chemistry and Technology of Environmental Protection (ÚCHTOŽP)

Learning outcomes of the course unit

Completion of the course will increase students' knowledge as follows:
1. Students will acquire basic knowledge, principles and definitions related to the issue of radioactive material in the environment
2. Students will be well versed in the issues of the effects of ionizing radiation on the environment
3. Students will be able to objectively evaluate current issues, such as the relationship between nuclear energy and radioactive waste to the environment.

Prerequisites

basics of general and physical chemistry or physics

Co-requisites

Not applicable.

Planned learning activities and teaching methods

Lectures 2h/week, seminars 3 h/week

Assesment methods and criteria linked to learning outcomes

The examination is oral, the knowledge in the extent of lectures is evaluated.

Course curriculum

1. Basics of Nuclear Chemistry – history, elementary particles, atomic nucleus
2. Radioactivity, nuclear transformations and reactions
3. Ionizing radiation and radionuclides in the environment
4. Technology and application of nuclear chemistry
5. Biological effects of ionizing radiation
6. Monitoring of ionizing radiation in the environment
7. Technology of nuclear fuel cycle I – uranium mining
8. Technology of nuclear fuel cycle II – nuclear power plants
9. Technology of nuclear fuel cycle III – spent nuclear fuel treatment
10. Technology of nuclear fuel cycle IV – decommissioning
11. Radioactive Waste Management I – Technology and treatment of low level radioactive waste
12. Radioactive Waste Management II – Technology and treatment of high level radioactive waste
13. Radioactive Waste Management III – Storage and Disposal of Radioactive Waste

Work placements

Not applicable.

Aims

The students will acquire basic knowledge, principles and definitions related to radioactivity and ionizing radiation. With this, they will be familiar with technology and applications of nuclear chemistry. They will understand the occurrence and effect of ionizing radiation in the environment from both natural and industrial sources. Students will be well versed in the issue of all parts of nuclear fuel cycle and radioactive waste management. After completing the course, students should be able to objectively evaluate current issues of radioecology and relationship between nuclear technology and the environment.

Specification of controlled education, way of implementation and compensation for absences

Not applicable.

Recommended optional programme components

Not applicable.

Prerequisites and corequisites

Not applicable.

Basic literature

M. Eisenbud: Environmental Radioactivity, 3rd edition. Academic Press, Inc., Orlando, 1987. (EN)
R. L. Kathren: Radioactivity in the Environment. Harwood Academic Publishers, London, 1984. (EN)
J. Hála, J. D. Navratil: Radioactivity, Ionizing Radiation, and Nuclear Energy. Konvoj, Brno, 2003 (EN)