Nuclear Power Generation Course | Fundamentals & Reactor Design | IIT Guwahati
Course Details
| Exam Registration | 209 |
|---|---|
| Course Status | Ongoing |
| Course Type | Elective |
| Language | English |
| Duration | 12 weeks |
| Categories | Mechanical Engineering |
| Credit Points | 3 |
| Level | Undergraduate/Postgraduate |
| Start Date | 19 Jan 2026 |
| End Date | 10 Apr 2026 |
| Enrollment Ends | 02 Feb 2026 |
| Exam Registration Ends | 20 Feb 2026 |
| Exam Date | 26 Apr 2026 IST |
| NCrF Level | 4.5 — 8.0 |
Mastering the Fundamentals of Nuclear Power Generation
In an era defined by the urgent need for clean, reliable, and sustainable energy, nuclear power stands out as a critical solution. With the dual pressures of depleting fossil fuel reserves and the global imperative to reduce carbon emissions, understanding nuclear technology is more relevant than ever. This comprehensive 12-week course, Fundamentals of Nuclear Power Generation, offered by the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, is designed to equip the next generation of engineers and professionals with the essential knowledge to navigate this complex field.
Led by Prof. Dipankar N. Basu, an esteemed expert in nuclear thermalhydraulics, this course systematically unravels the science and engineering behind nuclear energy, from atomic principles to full-scale reactor design and safety protocols.
Why Study Nuclear Power Generation?
Nuclear energy offers a potent combination of near-zero greenhouse gas emissions during operation and immense energy density, making it a cornerstone for a sustainable energy future. However, the technology involved is fundamentally distinct from conventional thermal power plants. This course addresses the pressing need to grasp these essentials, providing a solid foundation for students, industry personnel, and academics alike.
Course Instructor: Prof. Dipankar N. Basu
The course is led by Prof. Dipankar N. Basu, an Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at IIT Guwahati. With a robust academic background including a Ph.D. from IIT Kharagpur, Prof. Basu brings over a decade of teaching and research experience to the table. His principal research interests lie in nuclear thermalhydraulics, two-phase flow, and supercritical heat transfer. As a prolific author and reviewer for international journals, his expertise ensures the course content is both cutting-edge and deeply rooted in practical engineering principles.
Who Should Enroll?
This course is meticulously designed for a diverse audience seeking to build or enhance their expertise in nuclear power:
- Students: Undergraduate students (5th semester onwards) in Mechanical, Power, or Energy Engineering, and postgraduate students specializing in Thermofluids, Energy, or Nuclear Engineering.
- Industry Professionals: Personnel working in nuclear power industries, component fabrication, and regulatory bodies.
- Academics: Faculty members associated with Power and Energy Engineering departments.
Prerequisites & Industry Support
To successfully follow the course, participants should have a basic understanding of undergraduate-level Heat Transfer and Fluid Mechanics. Recommended NPTEL courses are provided for refreshers.
The course holds significant relevance for major industry players, including:
- Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC)
- Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd. (NPCIL)
- National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC)
- Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB)
- General Electric India
Detailed 12-Week Course Layout
The course is structured to provide a logical and comprehensive progression from basic concepts to advanced applications.
| Week | Topic | Key Focus Areas |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Fundamentals of Nuclear Power | Energy context, atomic structure, binding energy |
| 2 | Radioactivity & Nuclear Reactions | Decay processes, reaction cross-sections |
| 3 | Nuclear Fission | Fission process, energy release, fission products |
| 4 | Chain Reaction in Reactors | Criticality, multiplication factor, reactor kinetics |
| 5 | Reactor Thermalhydraulics | Heat generation, removal, coolant flow, safety analysis |
| 6 | Reactor Control | Control rods, poisons, feedback mechanisms |
| 7 | Thermal Reactors | Pressurized Water Reactors (PWR), Boiling Water Reactors (BWR) |
| 8 | Breeder Reactors | Fast neutron spectrum, fuel breeding (e.g., PFBR) |
| 9 | Nuclear Fusion | Principles, challenges, and future potential |
| 10 | Biological Effects of Radiation | Radiation doses, health impacts, protection standards |
| 11 | Reactor Safety and Security | Defense-in-depth, safety systems, regulatory frameworks |
| 12 | Waste Management and Economics | Waste classification, disposal methods, cost analysis |
Essential Reference Books
The course curriculum is supported by authoritative textbooks, ensuring depth and clarity:
- Murray, Raymond L. Nuclear Energy: An Introduction to the Concepts, Systems, and Applications of Nuclear Processes. 6th Edition. Elsevier.
- Nag, P.K. Power Plant Engineering. 3rd Edition. Tata McGraw-Hill.
- El-Wakil, M.M. Power Plant Technology. McGraw-Hill.
- Culp Jr., A.W. Principles of Energy Conversion. 2nd Edition. Tata McGraw-Hill.
Conclusion: Building Expertise for a Sustainable Future
The Fundamentals of Nuclear Power Generation course is more than an academic program; it's a vital stepping stone for anyone serious about contributing to the global energy landscape. By demystifying complex concepts and focusing on both theoretical foundations and practical design considerations—including crucial topics like safety, waste management, and biological impacts—this course prepares participants to engage thoughtfully and competently with one of the most powerful technologies of our time. Whether you aim for a career in the industry, academic research, or policy, the knowledge gained here will be indispensable.
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