The RSEL’s radioactive sources, detectors, and subcritical pile provide an ideal learning space for experimental studies in nuclear engineering. This is most evident in the Radiation Physics Laboratory course, which offers students an opportunity to apply several of the theoretical concepts from their earlier coursework in a safe laboratory environment. This senior level course covers topics as well as providing exposure to various neutron and gamma-ray detection instruments and methods. .
In addition to using materials and equipment contained in the laboratory, students are given the opportunity to design experiments where there they are encouraged to seek other resources, including equipment owned by organizations outside of the NRE Program. For many students, this is their first exposure to the challlenges of designing and executing a successful experiment. Going hand-in-hand with these concepts is a strong focus on data quality, statistical analysis, sensitivity analysis, and error propagation. |