Course in Nuclear Transient Modelling
Online course of 300 h in nuclear transient modelling. 6 modules covering 10 CFR 50.46 (emergency core cooling system acceptance criteria), Regulatory Guide 1.203 (transient and accident analysis methods) and RELAP5-3D. Assigned tutor and open enrolment.
Course in Nuclear Transient Modelling — studying from Canada
Canada is a global leader in nuclear technology, most notably through CANDU reactor design and the development of medical isotopes. Ontario operates the largest nuclear fleet in the country, with major facilities at Pickering, Darlington and Bruce, while Atomic Energy of Canada Limited leads reactor research at Chalk River. The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission regulates all nuclear activity. Engineers work on reactor design, fuel cycle technologies, decommissioning and radiation protection.
Fees for Canada: C$1,240 (Canadian dollar), with instalments and employer sponsorship available.
Relevant bodies in Canada
Typical roles
Questions from Canada
Is this programme recognised by professional bodies in Canada for nuclear engineering?
SEIUM's qualifications are private, not official state degrees, and carry no national accreditation in Canada. Nuclear activities are regulated by the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission, and professional engineering titles are provincially regulated. Nuclear roles often require specific licences or clearances, which a private qualification does not provide. Confirm with employers or the regulator.
Could this qualification help with nuclear career opportunities in Canada?
Canadian nuclear operators, utilities, fuel cycle firms and regulators' supplier networks employ engineers, but they set their own criteria. Many nuclear roles prioritise experience, security clearances and regulator-recognised training. The programme can add technical depth to your profile, but it does not guarantee entry or advancement in this tightly regulated field.
Can I study this online from Canada, and what is the workload?
Yes, the programme is 100% online and taught in English, and no student visa is required if you study from home. Specialist courses are 300 hours, postgraduate diplomas 800 hours and master's programmes 1,900 hours. Fees are payable in instalments, employer sponsorship is possible, and you receive an assigned technical tutor for guidance.
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
Describe the coupled neutronic and thermal-hydraulic dynamics of the reactor.
Model transient thermal-hydraulic phenomena in two-phase circuits.
Build plant nodalisations in system codes.
Analyse reactivity and loss-of-flow transients.
Evaluate loss-of-coolant accidents against acceptance criteria.
Apply best-estimate methodologies with uncertainty quantification.
Produce a complete transient analysis with discussion of results.
Who it's for
- Transient and accident analyst looking to specialise in Nuclear Transient Modelling.
- Nuclear thermal-hydraulics engineer looking to specialise in Nuclear Transient Modelling.
- Nuclear safety engineer looking to specialise in Nuclear Transient Modelling.
- Licensing engineer looking to specialise in Nuclear Transient Modelling.
- Plant model developer looking to specialise in Nuclear Transient Modelling.
- Safety assessor in a regulatory body looking to specialise in Nuclear Transient Modelling.
- Engineering or science graduates seeking to enter nuclear power plants.
What you'll work with
- 10 CFR 50.46 (emergency core cooling system acceptance criteria)
- Regulatory Guide 1.203 (transient and accident analysis methods)
- IAEA SSG-2 Rev.1 (deterministic safety analysis)
- 10 CFR 50, Appendix K (ECCS evaluation models)
- Regulatory Guide 1.157 (ECCS best-estimate calculations)
- NUREG-0800, Chapter 15 (transient and accident analysis)
- IAEA GSR Part 4 Rev.1 (safety assessment of facilities)
6 modules · 300 h
1.1Point kinetics equations1.2Delayed neutrons and precursor groups1.3Reactivity, period and inhour equation1.4Prompt jump and prompt criticality1.5Feedbacks: Doppler, moderator and void1.6Fuel thermal time constants1.7Spatial kinetics and the quasi-static method1.8Xenon and samarium effects1.9Transient classification by frequency1.10Practical: point kinetics with feedback in Python
2.1Conservation equations in two-phase flow2.2Homogeneous, drift-flux and two-fluid models2.3Heat transfer and boiling crisis2.4DNBR and CPR as thermal criteria2.5Transient conduction in the pellet2.6Pellet-cladding gap and its evolution2.7Natural circulation2.8Density wave instabilities in BWRs2.9Pump and valve models2.10Workshop: loss-of-flow transient in a channel
3.1Structure of RELAP5 and TRACE3.2Nodalisation of a primary circuit3.3Component and control models3.4Neutronic-thermal-hydraulic coupling3.5PARCS and its coupling with system codes3.6CATHARE and ATHLET codes3.7Steady-state initialisation3.8Convergence criteria and time step3.9Common user errors3.10Laboratory: simplified nodalisation in RELAP5
4.1Control rod ejection (RIA)4.2Rod drop and uncontrolled withdrawal4.3Inadvertent boron dilution4.4Forced flow loss4.5Pump rotor locking4.6Steam line break and overcooling4.7ATWS: transient without reactor trip4.8Fuel acceptance criteria4.9OECD/NEA transient benchmarks4.10Case study: analysis of a control rod ejection
5.1Phenomenology of a large LOCA5.2Critical discharge and initial depressurisation5.3Core refilling and reflooding5.410 CFR 50.46 acceptance criteria5.5Small LOCA and controlled depressurisation5.6Integral experiments LOFT and PKL5.7BEPU approach and CSAU methodology5.8Scaling and facility similarity5.9Severe accidents: overview with MELCOR5.10Laboratory: small LOCA with a system code
6.1Selection of the transient and the plant6.2Assumptions and initial conditions6.3Construction of the calculation model6.4Running the base case6.5Parametric sensitivity analysis6.6Verification of acceptance criteria6.7Uncertainty quantification6.8Discussion of safety margins6.9Report and presentation6.10Final review with the tutor
How you'll learn
100% online training on the SEIUM campus, with downloadable material, recorded classes and assigned technical tutor. No fixed timetables: students progress at their own pace within the intake, which makes it possible to combine with work.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is RELAP5-3D, TRACE, CATHARE, ATHLET, PARCS, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Tests are studied using real transient simulation procedures with system codes, comparison with integral experimental facilities, and best-estimate uncertainty analysis. Assessment is continuous per module plus the final integrating project.
Build it end to end
Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.
Describe the coupled neutronic and thermal-hydraulic dynamics of the reactor.
Model transient thermal-hydraulic phenomena in two-phase circuits.
Build plant nodalisations in system codes.
Analyse reactivity and loss-of-flow transients.
Evaluate loss-of-coolant accidents against acceptance criteria.
Where this takes you
Requirements
- No prior degree is required.
- Internet connection and a computer capable of running the programme's software.
- Sufficient Spanish to follow technical regulatory texts.
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 is 300 hours in total, spread over 3 to 5 months. That is an average of between 10 and 15 hours per week, compatible with a full-time job.
You will work with RELAP5-3D, TRACE, CATHARE, ATHLET and PARCS. 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 integrating project. It is in-house training, not an official Ministry qualification.
Yes. Modules passed in a course or postgraduate diploma in the same area can be credited towards the higher programme. Check the recognition policy when you enrol.
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