Master Year 2 Nuclear Energy

The educational objective of this track is to provide in-depth training in the field of nuclear reactor physics: existing reactor operations, developing and installing third-generation reactors and, designing and developing future Generation IV systems. These objectives require a systematic and overall vision to provide a grasp of the whole dimension of civil nuclear power. Indeed, reactor-related studies generally imply a strong coupling between thermohydraulics, neutronics, reactor materials and fuel.

The educational objective of this track is to give students a deep education in the field of design and construction of nuclear installations, particularly in the fields of safety monitoring, general operation, structures and infrastructures as well as systems and equipments. It involves the understanding of physical phenomena, which underlie the operation of nuclear reactors. Students are initiated to the main codes of structures calculation, nuclear reactor operation, radiation protection concepts related to the protection of man and his environment. This track aims to give students a complete skill in the Nuclear Energy field, not only technical, but also economical, organizational and managerial.

The courses in this major enable students to learn how to operate and maintain safely and efficiently nuclear facilities, in particular an electro-nuclear power plant. The courses provide students with a strong knowledge of the physical phenomena developed in the plant during nominal operation, non-nominal conditions which affect safe operation. Students are trained on the procedures needed to keep or recover the safe state of operation of systems and ensure protection of people and the environment. Organizational and managerial skills will complement deep technical competence.

The educational objective of this track is to give the knowledge needed for the various stages of the fuel cycle; with a particular focus on separation and transmutation. Recent advances in this area are leading to a revolution in the approach to the reactor cycle by introducing the notion of recycling and incineration of the minor actinides. The vision of the Fuel Cycle integrates the confinement of radio nuclides prior to storage, the development of new materials and the understanding of chemical mechanisms and geochemistry, which govern the evolution of storage. The basic research concepts that are necessary to develop processes and design new industrial equipment and tools are introduced. The Fuel Cycle major has a dynamic approach where education, R&D, development and industrial engineering are strongly correlated.

The educational objectives of this track are to give the necessary knowledge for the decommissioning of old nuclear facilities and management of waste. It covers all procedures needed to ensure the safety of people and environment.