Nuclear Technology

Radiation Protection Option

Instrumentation and Control Option

Reactor Operations Option

Quality Control Option

41.0205

(Associate of Applied Science Degree)

The Nuclear Technology program offers the student a unique opportunity to obtain state-of-the-art training that will put the graduate in demand by any organization or business that operates nuclear reactors or handles radioactive substances to include advanced manufacturing, life sciences, research reactors, the nuclear power industry, hazardous waste removal companies, and government agencies. Technicians with the educational background this program provides are in high demand now, and with the rising use of radiation in diagnostics, medical treatment and applications, and potential expansion of nuclear power technology this demand will remain high for years to come. Nuclear power is the largest non-carbon source of electricity in the United States providing 20% of the country’s power. Job placement prospects are highly favorable and starting salaries reflect this high demand.

The Associate of Applied Science degree program is the only one of its kind in Missouri and one of only a handful in the nation. It was developed cooperatively with the Missouri University Research Reactor, the University of Missouri Nuclear Science and Engineering Institute, Ameren Missouri Callaway Energy Center, and Exelon Nuclear Corporation, all leaders in the nuclear industry.

Enrollment in the Nuclear Technology program is limited and students are selected for this program on a competitive basis. Contact the Office of Admissions for the specific application requirements and deadline.

The core curriculum is designed to follow training requirement guidelines established by the Nuclear Uniform Curriculum Program supported by Nuclear Energy Institute, the Institute of Nuclear Power Operations (INPO), and many nuclear utility companies. The curriculum meets the objectives of the Institute of Nuclear Power Operation's National Academy for Nuclear Training document, ACAD 08-006 Uniform Curriculum Guide for Technician, Maintenance, and Nonlicensed Operations Personnel Associate Degree Programs. The program offers four options which include radiation protection, instrumentation and control, reactor operations, and quality control. An eight-week internship is included as a part of the curriculum in the second year at an approved company.

This program is only offered in Mexico, Missouri, at the Advanced Technology Center.

Program Mission
The mission of the Nuclear Technology program is to provide students with the opportunity to develop the technical expertise, math and analytical skills as well as the interpersonal skills required to begin successful careers as nuclear operators, maintenance technicians, radiological protection technicians, or quality control technicians. In addition, students are given the opportunity to earn a nationally recognized National Academy for Nuclear Training certificate validating the student's completion of national nuclear training fundamentals in their respective option.

Program Goals
The goals of the program are to provide students the opportunity to develop the skills necessary to:

• Communicate nuclear technology related concepts effectively in both oral and written formats.
• Appraise worksite conditions requiring radiological controls.
• Develop plans for minimizing personnel exposure to radiation.
• Troubleshoot electrical and mechanical equipment.
• Evaluate changing nuclear reactor plant conditions.
• Conduct nuclear work while employing human performance tools to minimize human error.
• Inspect and test nuclear plant systems, structures and components.
• Challenge and inspire students to obtain a National Academy for Nuclear Training certificate.

Program Assessments

• Nuclear Utilities Fundamental Health Physics Exam (NUPHRE)
• Collegiate Assessment of Academic Proficiency (CAAP)
  

MNT 102 Nuclear Industry Fundamentals. This course includes strategies essential for success in a nuclear industry work environment. Nuclear career skills such as study techniques, test taking, time management, and stress management are discussed. Topics such as nuclear safety culture, industry regulation, reliability and trustworthiness, deliberate misconduct, employee protection, completeness and accuracy of information, and human performance error prevention tools are discussed and applied. This course also provides students with the preparation and completion of the Edison Electric Institute (EEI) nuclear industry aptitude exams as well as industry generic nuclear plant access and radiation worker training and exams. Students will be introduced to nuclear technician responsibilities and expectations. 2 credit hours.

MNT 107 Basic Nuclear Math and Theory. Introduction to basic nuclear concepts using mathematics including dimensional analysis, algebra, geometry, and trigonometry. Additional topics include atomic structure, nuclear reactions, mass to energy conversion, industrial and science applications of nuclear processes, and risk/benefit analysis. Prerequisite: MAT 051 with a grade of “C” or better or SPM 050 with a passing grade or satisfactory placement score into MAT 071. 4 credit hours.

MNT 114 Introduction to Radiation Safety. Topics include types of radiation, radioactive decay, activity, radioactive sources, interaction of radiation with matter, radiation units, basic fundamentals of exposure, dose, and personnel dose. The course also includes a basic radiation protection tasks laboratory. Prerequisite: MNT 107. Corequisite: MAT 115. 4 credit hours.

MNT 189 Reactor Plant Components. Introduction to basic mechanical and electrical components used by nuclear power plants such as different types of piping, valves, pumps, ejectors, filters, turbines, heat exchangers, compressors, lubrication systems, valve actuators, breakers, transformers, relays, and other equipment. Basic heat transfer, fluid flow, and plant materials theories are included in the course. 4 credit hours.

MNT 197 Basic Reactor Safety, Theory, and Operations. Introduction to the fission process, reactivity/criticality, basic reactor kinetics, heat removal, reactor types, nuclear power plant chemistry, and elementary thermodynamics. 4 credit hours.

MNT 211 Piping and Instrumentation Drawings. Types of piping and instrumentation components, their construction and their schematics; reading of piping and electrical drawings; and lockout/tagout procedures applicable to the nuclear utility industry. Prerequisites: MAR 101 and MNT 189. 2 credit hours.

MNT 223 Radiation Detection. Types of detector systems (ionization, Geiger-Muller, proportional counters, liquid and solid scintillation, semiconductor) and their uses, statistics of radioactive decay, systems for radiation detection (NIMBIN systems, preamplifiers, amplifiers, single channel analyzers, multi-channel analyzers), experimental design and measurement, data reduction. Laboratories will include measurement of radioactive decay, measurement of radiation attenuation, utilization of systems for alpha, beta and gamma radiation counting and spectroscopy. Corequisite: MNT 114. 4 credit hours.

MNT 233 Radiation Dosimetry. Radiation biology, radiation effects on simple chemical systems, biological molecules, cell, organisms and humans. Stochastic vs. deterministic effects, units of exposure, dose and dose equivalent, external dosimetry, internal dosimetry, control of external and internal exposure, detector and instrumentation systems for measuring dose. Corequisite: MNT 114. 3 credit hours.

MNT 247 Radiation Protection. Practical applications and demonstrations of radiation protection and health physics. Radiological survey & analysis instruments, radiation monitoring systems, sample collection equipment, calibration sources and equipment, radiological protection standards, contamination control, monitoring of radiological work, radiological incident evaluation and control, decontamination, radioactive materials control, environmental monitoring. Prerequisites: MNT 223 and MNT 233. 4 credit hours.

MNT 265 Nuclear Instrumentation and Control I. Topics include principles of operation of pressure, level, flow, temperature, and radiation detection equipment. Conversion of the inputs via transmitters and transducers to master control systems is also discussed. These input values are then recorded and employ Proportional, Integral, and Derivative (PID) based algorithms to drive key outputs, signal alarms, and calculate error values. Discussion and demonstration of hydraulic, pneumatic, mechanical, and electrical signal transmission is covered in detail. Industry standard calibration techniques per Instrument Society of America (ISA) are studied and demonstrated in hands-on lab exercises. Prerequisite: MNT 189. Corequisite: MAR 204. 4 credit hours.

MNT 269 Nuclear Instrumentation and Control II. Topics include in-depth discussion of radiation sensors unique to power generating nuclear reactors. Control systems are discussed with particular emphasis on those found in pressurized and non-pressurized boiler systems. Advanced control theory is introduced, including feed forward and cascade control systems, which are explained and implemented in lab. Use of advanced output techniques such as time proportional control and pulse-width modulation are likewise covered and implemented to control process variables. Includes a technical lab component. Prerequisite: MNT 265. 3 credit hours.

MNT 270 Thermodynamics, Fluid Flow, and Advanced Reactor Theory. Topics include properties of steam/water, advanced heat transfer, thermodynamic cycles and efficiency, heat exchanges, fuel cell heat transfer, pump theory and laws, cavitation, and erosion of piping components. Advanced reactor kinetics, heat removal, nuclear power plant chemistry, reactivity calculations, reactor plant materials, reactor sensors, and radiation detectors are also covered. Prerequisites: MNT 189 and MNT 197. 5 credit hours.

MNT 274 Reactor Plant Systems. This course covers the purpose, operation, and flow paths of basic reactor systems including many of the systems in ACAD 90-016 Section 7.2. Prerequisite: MNT 189. Corequisite: MNT 197. 3 credit hours.

MNT 275 Nuclear Reactor Operation Fundamentals I. This course covers the operation of the following plant components as they are applied to integrated nuclear plant operations: valves, sensors and detectors, controllers and positioners, pumps, motors and generators, heat exchangers, condensers, demineralizers, ion exchangers, breakers, relays, and disconnects. This course also includes applied topics in nuclear reactor kinetics including neutrons, neutron sources, and neutron life cycle. Prerequisite: MNT 274. 2 credit hours.

MNT 278 Reactor Plant Operations. This course covers reactor plant safety design and operation. Basic reactor startup, shutdown, and emergency procedures and why those procedures are written are also covered. Review of past reactor accidents and events. Includes practical laboratory that prepares the student to fulfill the role of Nuclear Equipment Operator. Laboratory will cover practical operating procedures in valve operation, breaker
operation, placing equipment on and off of service, lubrication, pump operation, air compressors, diesel engines, and other equipment. Prerequisites: MNT 270 and MNT 274. 4 credit hours.

MNT 279 Nuclear Reactor Operation Fundamentals II. This course covers the following topics as they are applied to integrated nuclear plant operations and thermodynamic responses in nuclear plant systems: thermodynamic units and properties, steam tables, Mollier diagrams, steam systems, thermodynamic processes and cycles, fluid statics and dynamics, heat transfer and heat exchangers, thermal hydraulics, reactor core thermal limits, brittle fracture, and vessel thermal stress. This course also includes applied topics in nuclear reactor reactivity control including reactivity coefficients, control rods, fission product poisons, fuel depletion, burnable poisons, and reactor operational physics. Prerequisites: MNT 270 and MNT 275. 3 credit hours.

MNT 280 Blueprint Reading, Metrology, and Calibration. This course teaches blueprint reading and interpretation as well as proper use and calibration of measurement and test equipment. Blueprint reading instruction includes symbols, components, and geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) terminology. Measurement and test equipment used in this course includes but is not limited to coordinate measuring machines (CMM), electronic measuring devices, gauges, optical tools, force measurement devices, weights, and hardness testing devices. Prerequisite: MAR 150. 2 credit hours.

MNT 282 Codes, Standards, and Regulations. An introduction to the controlling codes, standards, and regulations that are used in the nuclear industry including 10 CFR Part 21 and 10 CFR 50 Appendix B, ANSI, ASME, ISO, SAR, Six Sigma, and other applicable standards. 2 credit hours.

MNT 284 Nuclear Industry Preventive and Corrective Actions. Students are taught to identify and apply various preventive methods including both design and process failure mode and effects analysis. Elements of corrective action and failure/root cause analysis are discussed. The students will learn to determine whether products or materials meet conformance requirements, use various methods to label and segregate nonconforming materials, and the steps in determining fitness-for-use and product disposition. 2 credit hours.

MNT 286 Advanced Measurement and Testing of Materials. This course teaches advanced measurement and testing of materials using various means while concentrating on inspection techniques and processes. Topics include: electrical testing of raceways, cable, conduit and supports; nondestructive testing (NDT) including x-ray, eddy current, ultrasonic, dye penetrant, electromagnetic, and magnetic particle; destructive testing including tensile, fatigue, and flammability; and sampling procedures. Prerequisites: MNT 280 and MNT 282. 4 credit hours.

MNT 288 Quality Audits. Basic audit types are taught such as internal, external system, product, and processes. Emphasis is placed on auditing tools and techniques as well as audit preparation, performance, record-keeping, closure, and verification. 2 credit hours.

MNT 290 Internship. The student will serve an internship of approximately 320 hours with a company that uses nuclear technicians in radiation protection, nuclear reactor operations, nuclear reactor maintenance or quality control. The student is expected to apply learned skills and training to be a productive employee, and the employer is expected to place the student in an environment that will build on the student’s first year of study and enhance the student’s knowledge of working in the nuclear industry. Prerequisite: Department Chair approval - GPA of 2.500 or better required. 4 credit hours.

MNT 299 Special Topics in Nuclear Technology. Special Topics in Nuclear Technology (MNT) may include instruction on topics not covered in other MNT courses. Topics covered in other MNT courses may also be covered in more depth in this special topics course. Projects may be undertaken in any area related to the major program with credit hours determined by the level and amount of involvement. The minimum involvement required for one credit is 30 contact hours. The specific topic(s), objectives, plan of instruction, and evaluation criteria must be documented in the syllabus; approved by the Department/Division Chair; and filed in the Academic Records Office. Students may complete more than one Special Topics course, provided that the credits earned in this manner do not exceed a total of four (4) credits. 1-4 credit hours.

MAR 101 Introduction to Electricity. This course introduces and develops the concepts necessary for understanding the use of electrical components and circuitry. Technical math including scientific notation, significant figures, unit conversions, beginning algebra and basic trigonometry will be introduced and developed throughout the course. The first half of the semester is devoted to DC, the second to AC. Prerequisite: A “C” or higher in MAT 031 or satisfactory placement score into MAT 051 or higher. 4 credit hours.

MAR 110 Mechanical and Fluid Power Transmission. This course includes mechanical power transmission topics such as brakes, clutches, gears, couplings, shafts, chains and sprockets, cams and bearings. Hydraulic items include liquid properties, cylinders, motors, pumps, valves and math for proper sizing of components. Pneumatic items include physical principles, cylinders, motors, compressors and control valves. Simulation of circuits will be performed before any laboratory work is done. Laboratory exercises are provided to enhance classroom topics. 3 credit hours.

MAR 118 Industrial Motors and their Controls. This course introduces the students to various types of industrial motors and controls. The student will identify, select, install/wire and troubleshoot three phase and single phase DC/AC motors and controls, including servo and stepper motors. Laboratory exercises include designing and building control modules for machine integration. Prerequisite: MAR 101. 4 credit hours.

MAR 125 Applied Electronics. This course introduces and develops the concepts necessary to analyze and test both discrete and integrated circuit components. The first half of the semester is devoted to Analog Circuits, the second to Digital Electronic. Also includes a laboratory course with experiments designed to support this course theory. Prerequisite: MAR 101. 4 credit hours.

MAR 150 Machine Shop Fundamentals. This course introduces the student to mechanical blueprint reading, shop safety, bench work and layout, hand tools, measuring instruments and manual machine tools. Technical math including fractions, unit conversions, and basic trigonometry will be introduced and developed throughout the course. Emphasis is placed on the sequence of machining piece parts, tool selection and machine set-up and operation. Prerequisite: A “C” or higher in MAT 031 or SPM 030 with a passing grade or satisfactory placement score into MAT 051 or higher. 4 credit hours.

MAR 204 PLC Programming. This course includes a review of number systems, Programmable Logic Control addressing, use of software, system control and an in depth study of ladder logic programming. Programming topics include: discrete and analog inputs and outputs, internal registers and tables, editing, timers, counters, comparison functions, computational functions, data move functions, subroutines, data manipulation and sequencing functions, high speed counting, trigonometric and advanced math functions. Laboratory exercises are provided to enhance classroom topics. Prerequisites: MAR 118 and MAR 125. 4 credit hours.

MAR 218 Computer Interfacing. This course introduces the use of personal computers for data and control in an industrial environment. Applications using common personal computers, “off-the-shelf” components and interfacing boards will be discussed. Also includes a laboratory course with experiments designed to support computer interfacing. Prerequisite: MAR 118. 3 credit hours.

PHY 121 General Chemistry I. This is an introductory course dealing with the fundamental principles of chemistry. Meets for 3 hours of class and 4 hours of lab each week. Prerequisite: Two years of high school algebra or must be enrolled in or have completed College Algebra. This course is taught by Moberly Area Community College at the Advanced Technology Center in Mexico, Missouri. 5 credit hours.