The undergraduate program leads to a Bachelor of Science degree in Nuclear Engineering and encompasses a wide range of topics. Because the breadth and rate of change in this field requires that the nuclear engineer have a broad educational background, the curriculum consists of physics, math, materials science, engineering mechanics, electronics, thermodynamics, heat transfer, computers, courses in the humanities and social science areas, and numerous elective courses. Courses of a specific nuclear engineering content come primarily in the fourth year.

The undergraduate program appeals to students who have interests in nuclear engineering, and to students who have strong interests in physics, mathematics, and engineering, but do not wish to specialize in a particular field in the early part of their college studies.

The UW-Madison undergraduate Nuclear Engineering Program is divided into two tracks, a power track and a radiation sciences track.

The power track focuses on power generation applications of nuclear engineering, and is designed for students wishing to pursue careers in the nuclear power industry. The curriculum first provides a strong foundation in physics, chemistry, mathematics, computing methods, and the engineering sciences. It then applies this broad science and engineering knowledge to basic principles of nuclear reactors: nuclear reactor analysis, radiation transport and shielding, heat transfer in nuclear reactor systems, and nuclear reactor design. The student also has the opportunity to choose a number of technical electives he or she finds particularly appealing. This can include courses in nuclear materials, power plant technology, advanced fission or fusion power systems, or other suitable courses chosen in consultation with the advisor.

The Radiation Sciences track focuses on the non-power applications of nuclear engineering. Like the Power Track, it provides the same strong foundation in a broad range of disciplines. This track is identical to the Power Track in the first two years and differs only slightly in the third year. It is in the final year that the Radiation Sciences track differs significantly from the Power track. It includes courses on biological effects of radiation, radiation detection and instrumentation, shielding of radiation, the safe handling and disposal of radioactive materials, and a number of medical physics electives. It is recommended that students pursue a M.S. degree in either Medical Physics or Health Physics after obtaining the B.S. degree. The curriculum has been developed by a joint effort of the Engineering Physics and Medical Physics departments.

Students wishing to select the Radiation Sciences Track should obtain, sign and submit an Option Declaration Form to the EP Department Student Services Coordinator (144 ERB). Unless this declaration is submitted, the Power Track is assumed.

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