Nuclear Fuel Course: Structure and Properties
Online 300-hour course in nuclear fuel: structure and properties. 6 modules covering IAEA SSG-52 (reactor core design), ASTM C776 (sintered UO2 pellets) and CASMO/SIMULATE. Dedicated tutor and open enrolment.
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What you will be able to do
Describe the chain from uranium ore to the fuel element.
Explain the structure and composition of pellets, cladding and assemblies.
Analyse the thermal and mechanical properties relevant in operation.
Relate neutronic behaviour to fuel burnup.
Calculate isotopic evolution over the cycle.
Describe spent fuel management after discharge.
Prepare a technical report on a fuel design.
Who it's for
- Nuclear fuel engineer looking to specialise in nuclear fuel: structure and properties.
- Fuel manufacturing engineer looking to specialise in nuclear fuel: structure and properties.
- Core management engineer looking to specialise in nuclear fuel: structure and properties.
- Fuel quality specialist looking to specialise in nuclear fuel: structure and properties.
- Burnup analyst looking to specialise in nuclear fuel: structure and properties.
- Fuel inspection technician looking to specialise in nuclear fuel: structure and properties.
- Graduates in engineering or science seeking to enter nuclear fuel manufacturing.
What you'll work with
- IAEA SSG-52 (reactor core design)
- ASTM C776 (sintered UO2 pellets)
- ASTM B811 (zirconium alloy tubing for cladding)
- 10 CFR 50.46 (ECCS acceptance criteria)
- IAEA SSR-4 (safety of fuel cycle facilities)
- ISO 19443 (quality management in the nuclear supply chain)
6 modules · 300 h
1.1Uranium ores and their concentration1.2Uranium concentrate and its transport1.3Conversion to intermediate compounds1.4The concept of isotopic enrichment and its purpose1.5Enrichment grades by reactor type1.6Manufacture of pellets and rods1.7Anatomy of a fuel element1.8Differences between reactor technologies1.9Industrial players in the chain1.10Exercise: following an element's traceability
2.1Uranium dioxide: crystal structure and density2.2Porosity, grain size and stoichiometry2.3Mixed oxide fuel2.4Alternative metallic and ceramic fuels2.5Cladding materials and their function2.6Grids, springs and guide tubes2.7Integral burnable absorbers2.8Tolerances and product specifications2.9Common characterisation techniques2.10Practice: interpreting a specification sheet
3.1Thermal conductivity and temperature profile3.2Expansion and initial densification3.3Mechanical strength and cracking3.4Pellet-to-cladding gap and its evolution3.5Generation and release of fission gases3.6Swelling from fission products3.7Cladding corrosion and hydriding3.8Mechanical interaction between pellet and cladding3.9Fuel design limits3.10Practice: calculating the centreline temperature of a pellet
4.1Fission, capture and actinide generation4.2Evolution of reactivity with burnup4.3Neutron poisons and their effect4.4Power distribution within the element4.5Achievable burnup and its limits4.6Fuel management in the core4.7Fuel inspection during outage4.8Rod failures and their detection4.9Operating experience of failures4.10Practice: interpreting a burnup curve
5.1Discharge and pool storage5.2Decay heat and its evolution5.3Isotopic inventory of spent fuel5.4Long-term cladding integrity5.5Transition to dry storage5.6Transport of spent fuel5.7Final management options5.8Safeguards and material accountancy5.9Fuel economics in the cost of generation5.10Practice: estimating decay heat at different times
6.1Choice of reactor and fuel6.2Fuel element specification6.3Simplified thermal calculation6.4Behavior prediction in operation6.5Management strategy at the core6.6Inventory and residual heat on discharge6.7Storage and transportation plan6.8Economic analysis of the cycle6.9Technical memory6.10Defense of work
How you'll learn
100% online training on the SEIUM campus, with downloadable material, recorded classes and a dedicated technical tutor. No fixed timetable: students progress at their own pace within the intake, which allows them to combine it with work.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is CASMO/SIMULATE, SCALE (ORIGEN), FRAPCON, MATLAB, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Tests are studied using real procedures for characterising UO2 pellets, burnup and isotopic composition calculations, and inspection of fuel elements. Assessment is continuous by 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 chain from uranium ore to the fuel element.
Explain the structure and composition of pellets, cladding and assemblies.
Analyse the thermal and mechanical properties relevant in operation.
Relate neutronic behaviour to fuel burnup.
Calculate isotopic evolution over the cycle.
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 read 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 totals 300 hours, spread over 3 to 5 months. That is between 10 and 15 hours a week on average, compatible with a full-time job.
The course uses CASMO/SIMULATE, SCALE (ORIGEN), FRAPCON, MATLAB. 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 are recognised in the higher programme. Check the recognition policy when enrolling.
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