Undergraduate Program in Nuclear Engineering

The Field
Nuclear engineering is an exciting, rapidly-evolving field which requires engineers with an understanding of physical processes of nuclear energy and an ability to apply concepts in new and creative ways. Nuclear engineers are primarily concerned with the control, monitoring, and use of energy released in nuclear processes.

Some nuclear engineers work on the design and safety aspects of environmentally-sound, passively safe nuclear fission reactors. Others are looking to future energy solutions through development and implementation of nuclear fusion systems. Others are helping in the exploration and utilization of outers pace by developing long term, reliable nuclear energy sources. With the renewed concern in environmental science, nuclear engineers are working on safe disposal concepts for radioactive waste and on methods for reduction of radiation releases from industrial facilities. They also work in developing a wide variety of applications for radioisotopes such as the treatment and diagnosis of diseases, food preservation, manufacturing development, processing and quality control, and biological and mechanical process tracers. For each of these fields there are numerous opportunities for nuclear engineers in basic research, applications, operations, and training.

The Major
The goal of nuclear engineering education is to give the student an excellent understanding of nuclear processes and fundamentals and to provide the physical and engineering principles which lead to applications of the basic processes. The course of study in nuclear engineering gives the student broad training in the fundamentals of mathematics physics, chemistry, and engineering, following by professional specialty courses in radiation detection and protection, nuclear reactor theory and safety, thermal hydraulics, and nuclear systems design. Students also select three technical electives which allow them to explore in-depth areas of interest in nuclear engineering. The graduate nuclear engineer will find a wide variety of career opportunities, or will be well prepared to pursue advanced graduate studies.

Program Educational Objectives
Graduates of the undergraduate program in Nuclear Engineering will be successfully progressing in their careers by

1. demonstrating technical competence in their nuclear engineering-related professional or post-baccalaureate educational endeavors,
2. solving problems efficiently in diverse areas of nuclear engineering and other related professions, and
3. communicating effectively in both written and oral media.

• Student Opportunities
  Students are encouraged to join the student chapter of the American Nuclear Society (ANS). Departmental field trips, get-togethers, and an active seminar program give students ample opportunities to interact with faculty members and to meet with a variety of nuclear engineering professionals from outside the university.


• Computer Facilities
  Along with the other computing facilities available on campus, the department maintains a computer pod with state-of-the-art PCs, loaded with software and tools relevant to Nuclear Engineering students.
  
  Numerical analysis is an important part of each year’s instruction in engineering, and by the senior year, students make extensive use of the sophisticated neutron transport and thermohydraulics production codes. In addition to these technical software packages, students also gain experience with other computer software including word processing, mathematical subroutines and spreadsheets.


• Advising
  Engineering students benefit from comprehensive advising. Following admission to the department, students are assigned a faculty mentor within his or her area of interest. Students are required to meet with the faculty advisor and department advising coordinator before registering each semester. Students in pre-major status or who have not been admitted to the department are advised in Engineering Student Services.

• Cooperative Education
  Opportunities for the cooperative education program or summer industrial internship program may be available through UNM’s Career Services Cooperative Education Program.


• Department Honors Program
  Eligible freshmen and upperclassmen in the Department of Chemical and Nuclear Engineering are urged to enroll in the Honors Program. Chemical and Nuclear Engineering students may graduate with General Honors (honors in general studies), with Departmental Honors, or both. Information is available from departmental advisors and the University Honors Center.


• Student Organizations
  Students are encouraged to participate the various student organizations represented at the University.