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CourseNuclear Engineering & Nuclear Fuel Cycle Technologies Applications open

Course in Radiological Soil Characterisation Techniques

Online course of 300 h in radiological soil characterisation techniques. 6 modules covering MARSSIM (NUREG-1575), ISO 18589 (measurement of radioactivity in soil) and RESRAD-ONSITE. Assigned tutor and open enrolment.

Duration300 h
ModeOnline
Start datesSet by the faculty
AwardSEIUM Institute certificate
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Learning outcomes

What you will be able to do

01

Design soil sampling plans in line with MARSSIM.

02

Apply in situ and laboratory measurement techniques.

03

Interpret gamma spectra and detection limits according to ISO 11929.

04

Apply geostatistics to contamination mapping.

05

Assess residual doses with RESRAD.

06

Apply site release criteria.

07

Prepare a radiological characterisation report.

Profile

Who it's for

  • Radiological characterisation technician wishing to specialise in radiological soil characterisation techniques.
  • Environmental restoration engineer wishing to specialise in radiological soil characterisation techniques.
  • Radioactivity laboratory analyst wishing to specialise in radiological soil characterisation techniques.
  • Radiation protection technician wishing to specialise in radiological soil characterisation techniques.
  • Environmental geologist wishing to specialise in radiological soil characterisation techniques.
  • Decommissioning consultant wishing to specialise in radiological soil characterisation techniques.
  • Graduates in engineering or sciences seeking to enter facility decommissioning.
Standards & tools

What you'll work with

  • MARSSIM (NUREG-1575)
  • ISO 18589 (measurement of radioactivity in soil)
  • ISO 11929 (characteristic limits for radiation measurements)
  • IAEA GSR Part 6 (decommissioning)
  • ISO 20042 (gamma spectrometry)
  • IAEA WS-G-5.1 (release of sites from regulatory control)
  • ISO/IEC 17025 (laboratory competence)
Syllabus

6 modules · 300 h

  1. 1.1Origin of radiological contamination of land
  2. 1.2Nuclear fuel cycle and industrial legacy sites
  3. 1.3Accidents, discharges and atmospheric deposition
  4. 1.4Natural materials concentrated by industry
  5. 1.5Characterisation objectives: diagnosis, design and release
  6. 1.6Release criteria and exemption levels
  7. 1.7Regulatory framework for affected sites
  8. 1.8Stakeholders and future land use
  9. 1.9Stages of a characterisation project
  10. 1.10Exercise: define the objectives of a real case
  1. 2.1Gathering historical site information
  2. 2.2Site conceptual model
  3. 2.3Zoning by contamination probability
  4. 2.4Systematic and random sampling design
  5. 2.5Design based on statistical decision objectives
  6. 2.6Number of samples and decision power
  7. 2.7Sampling depth and vertical profiles
  8. 2.8Background reference points
  9. 2.9Plan documentation and quality control
  10. 2.10Practice: design a sampling grid
  1. 3.1Surface scanning with scintillation detectors
  2. 3.2Georeferenced systems and continuous mapping
  3. 3.3In situ gamma spectrometry
  4. 3.4Vehicle-mounted and airborne equipment
  5. 3.5Detection of beta and alpha emitters at the surface
  6. 3.6Measurement of radon exhalation from soil
  7. 3.7Boreholes, trial pits and cores
  8. 3.8Achievable field detection limits
  9. 3.9Data recording and position traceability
  10. 3.10Practice: survey campaign of a plot
  1. 4.1Soil sample preparation and homogenisation
  2. 4.2Laboratory gamma spectrometry
  3. 4.3Determination of alpha and beta emitters
  4. 4.4Analysis of isotopes of interest and radiochemistry
  5. 4.5Minimum detectable activity and quality control
  6. 4.6Statistical treatment of results
  7. 4.7Geostatistics and map interpolation
  8. 4.8Treatment of non-detected and extreme values
  9. 4.9Estimation of the affected volume
  10. 4.10Practice: build an activity map
  1. 5.1Comparison with release criteria
  2. 5.2Dose calculation for land-use scenarios
  3. 5.3Remediation options: excavation, capping and containment
  4. 5.4Soil decontamination techniques
  5. 5.5Management and volume of waste generated
  6. 5.6Cost-benefit analysis of the option
  7. 5.7Final verification characterisation
  8. 5.8Report for the authority and closure declaration
  9. 5.9Post-closure monitoring and use restrictions
  10. 5.10Practice: decide and justify an option
  1. 6.1Choice of site and its history
  2. 6.2Conceptual model and zoning
  3. 6.3Sampling and field measurement plan
  4. 6.4Laboratory analytical programme
  5. 6.5Data processing and maps
  6. 6.6Dose assessment by land-use scenario
  7. 6.7Remediation and verification proposal
  8. 6.8Budget and schedule
  9. 6.9Characterisation report
  10. 6.10Project defence
Methodology, software & labs

How you'll learn

Training 100 % online on the SEIUM campus, with downloadable material, recorded classes and assigned technical tutor. No fixed timetables: the student progresses at their own pace within the intake, which makes it compatible with work.

Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is RESRAD-ONSITE, Visual Sample Plan, Mirion Genie 2000, QGIS, R (gstat), in free, academic or evaluation versions. Tests are studied on real soil sampling and gamma spectrometry procedures, surface radiological surveys, and geostatistical analysis of contamination. Assessment is continuous by module plus the final integrating project.

Accreditable laboratories(EN ISO/IEC 17025) with rotor test rig, EMC/Lightning pre-compliance, HIL/SIL, vibration/acoustics.
Evidence-oriented final project:safety case, test plan, compliance dossier and operational limits.
Industry mentoring:lecturers with a track record in training, , eVTOL/UAM and flight test.
Flexible format(hybrid/online), international cohorts and support from SEIUM Career Services.
Ethics and safety:safety-by-design approach, cyber-OT, DIH and compliance as pillars.
Capstone project

Build it end to end

Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.

Choice of site and its history

Design soil sampling plans in line with MARSSIM.

Conceptual model and zoning

Apply in situ and laboratory measurement techniques.

Sampling and field measurement plan

Interpret gamma spectra and detection limits according to ISO 11929.

Laboratory analytical programme

Apply geostatistics to contamination mapping.

Data processing and maps

Assess residual doses with RESRAD.

Career opportunities

Where this takes you

Radiological characterisation technicianEnvironmental restoration engineerRadioactivity laboratory analystRadiation protection technicianEnvironmental geologistDecommissioning consultant
Admissions & scholarships

Requirements

  • No prior degree required.
  • Internet connection and a computer capable of running the programme's software.
  • Sufficient Spanish to follow technical regulatory reading.

Ready to start?

Send your application today. Our admissions team replies within 72 hours with your study plan and funding options.

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FAQ

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 a full-time job.

The course works with RESRAD-ONSITE, Visual Sample Plan, Mirion Genie 2000, QGIS, R (gstat). Free, academic or evaluation versions are used, and the tutor indicates the free alternative where one exists.

An in-house SEIUM diploma upon passing the continuous assessment and the integrating project. It is in-house training, not an official Ministry title.

Yes. Modules passed in a course or postgraduate diploma in the same area are recognised towards the advanced programme. Check the recognition policy when you enrol.

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