Course in Academic Operation of Nuclear Simulators
Online 300 h course in academic operation of nuclear simulators. 6 modules covering ANSI/ANS-3.5 (plant simulators for training and examination), 10 CFR 55.46 (simulators in operator licensing) and PCTRAN. Assigned tutor and open enrolment.
Course in Academic Operation of Nuclear Simulators — studying from Australia
Australia does not operate nuclear power plants, but nuclear science and technology play important roles in research, medicine, mining and regulation. The Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation operates research reactors and produces radiopharmaceuticals, while uranium mining is conducted in South Australia, the Northern Territory and Queensland. Nuclear engineering skills support regulatory oversight, radiation safety and decommissioning activities. Employers include ANSTO, the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency, mining companies and specialist consultancies.
Fees for Australia: A$868 (AUD), with instalments and employer sponsorship available.
Relevant bodies in Australia
Typical roles
Questions from Australia
Does this programme meet Australian nuclear licensing or regulatory requirements?
No. SEIUM qualifications are private and are not accredited by any national body. Nuclear activities in Australia are regulated by the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency and related authorities, which set their own competency requirements. Check directly with the regulator and your employer about any qualifications needed for a specific role.
Which Australian organisations might consider this training for nuclear-related roles?
Australian employers in this area include research organisations, radiation protection services, mining and resources companies, and consultancies working on nuclear-related projects. Hiring depends on each organisation's requirements and on security and licensing needs. A private qualification is unlikely to be sufficient alone, so combine it with relevant experience.
Is the programme workable alongside a job, and how is it funded?
The programmes are delivered entirely online in English with an assigned technical tutor, allowing study from Australia around work commitments. Fees can be paid in instalments, and employer sponsorship is possible. Review the programme length, from 300 to 1,900 hours, and plan carefully.
Take the controls.
Run a real engineering trade-off from this field. Move the sliders, watch the model react in real time and beat the challenge.
What you will be able to do
Distinguish the types of nuclear simulators and their architecture.
Describe the fundamentals of plant operation under normal operating conditions.
Analyse the plant response to operational transients in the simulator.
Interpret the evolution of parameters in design basis accidents.
Relate the performance of safety systems to operating procedures.
Assess learning through scenarios and performance criteria.
Apply the simulator as an academic tool for analysis and training.
Who it's for
- Nuclear simulator instructor looking to specialise in academic operation of nuclear simulators.
- Plant operations engineer looking to specialise in academic operation of nuclear simulators.
- Technical training engineer looking to specialise in academic operation of nuclear simulators.
- Transient analyst looking to specialise in academic operation of nuclear simulators.
- Simulator development engineer looking to specialise in academic operation of nuclear simulators.
- Human factors technician looking to specialise in academic operation of nuclear simulators.
- Engineering or science graduates seeking to enter nuclear power plants.
What you'll work with
- ANSI/ANS-3.5 (Central simulators for training and examination)
- 10 CFR 55.46 (Simulators in Operator Licensing)
- NUREG-1021 (Operator Exam Standards)
- IAEA SSR-2/2 (Rev.1) (Commissioning and Operation)
- IAEA SSG-75 (Selection, Qualification and Training of Personnel)
- IAEA SSG-2 (Rev.1) (Deterministic Safety Analysis)
6 modules · 300 h
1.1Full-scope, basic and principle-based simulators1.2Classroom and engineering simulators1.3Architecture: models, executive and interface1.4Real-time thermal-hydraulic models1.5Neutron kinetics models1.6Modelling of instrumentation and protection logic1.7IAEA educational simulators1.8ANSI/ANS-3.5 standard for simulators1.9Simulator fidelity, scope and certification1.10Practical: first start-up of an IAEA PWR simulator
2.1Primary and secondary circuits of a PWR2.2Key parameters: pressure, temperature and level2.3Reactivity control with rods and boron2.4Coolant average temperature programme2.5Turbine, generator and grid connection2.6Technical specifications for operation2.7Normal operating procedures2.8Communication and work in the control room2.9Steam tables and water properties2.10Laboratory: power increase from 50 % to 100 %
3.1Start-up from hot shutdown3.2Load following and frequency regulation3.3Turbine trip and load rejection3.4Reactor trip and plant response3.5Loss of main feedwater3.6Primary circuit pump failure3.7Xenon poisoning after power reduction3.8Interpretation of trends and alarms3.9Pressure control with pressuriser and spray3.10Laboratory: turbine trip and recovery
4.1Small and large LOCA4.2Steam generator tube rupture4.3Main steam line break4.4Loss of offsite power4.5Emergency core cooling systems4.6Symptom-based emergency procedures4.7Critical safety function trees4.8Prolonged total loss of power4.9Containment and isolation systems4.10Laboratory: managing an SGTR with EOPs
5.1Design of training scenarios5.2Learning objectives and success criteria5.3Human factors and situational awareness5.4Assessment of operator performance5.5Data logging and post-session analysis5.6Structured debriefing of the exercise5.7Validation of the simulator against the plant5.8Use of the simulator in university teaching5.9Training of licensed operators5.10Case study: designing a two-hour session
6.1Selection of reactor and simulator6.2Definition of the training objective6.3Scenario script and initial conditions6.4Execution and recording of variables6.5Analysis of plant response6.6Assessment of operator actions6.7Comparison with expected results6.8Proposals for scenario improvement6.9Report and presentation6.10Final review with the tutor
How you'll learn
100 % online training on the SEIUM campus, with downloadable material, recorded lectures and an assigned technical tutor. No fixed timetables: students progress at their own pace within the intake, making it possible to combine study with work.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is PCTRAN, IAEA Basic Principles Simulators, 3KEYMASTER (WSC), RELAP5, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Trials are studied using real procedures from guided sessions on the basic principles simulator, analysis of operational transients, and assessment of design basis accident scenarios. Assessment is continuous, module by module, plus the final integrative project.
Build it end to end
Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.
Distinguish the types of nuclear simulators and their architecture.
Describe the fundamentals of plant operation under normal operating conditions.
Analyse the plant response to operational transients in the simulator.
Interpret the evolution of parameters in design basis accidents.
Relate the performance of safety systems to operating procedures.
Where this takes you
Requirements
- No previous degree is required.
- Internet connection and a computer capable of running the programme's software.
- Sufficient Spanish to follow technical standards reading.
Ready to start?
Send your application today. Our admissions team replies within 72 hours with your study plan and funding options.
Frequently asked questions
The programme totals 300 hours, spread over 3 to 5 months. That is an average of 10 to 15 hours per week, compatible with full-time work.
The course works with PCTRAN, IAEA Basic Principles Simulators, 3KEYMASTER (WSC), RELAP5. Free, academic or evaluation versions are used, and the tutor indicates the free alternative where one exists.
A SEIUM own diploma upon passing the continuous assessment and the integrative project. It is in-house training, not an official Ministry qualification.
Yes. Modules passed in a course or postgraduate diploma in the same area are recognised towards the advanced programme. Please check the recognition policy when you enrol.
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