Module 1: Introduction to Nuclear Science and Atomic Energy
• Structure of the atom: protons, neutrons, electrons
• Radioactivity: alpha, beta, gamma emissions
• Nuclear reactions: fission vs. fusion
• Historical development: from discovery to peaceful use
• Overview of nuclear energy in global power generation

Module 2: Nuclear Reactor Technologies
• Types of nuclear reactors:
o Pressurized Water Reactor (PWR)
o Boiling Water Reactor (BWR)
o Heavy Water Reactors (e.g., CANDU)
o Gas-cooled Reactors (AGR, HTGR)
o Fast Breeder Reactors
o Molten Salt Reactors
o Small Modular Reactors (SMRs)
• Components of a nuclear power plant:
o Reactor core and control rods
o Heat exchangers and steam generators
o Turbine and generator systems
o Cooling towers and containment structures
• Reactor physics: neutron moderation, multiplication factor, criticality
• Control and instrumentation systems
• Emergency shutdown systems (SCRAM)

Module 3: The Nuclear Fuel Cycle
• Front-end of the fuel cycle:
o Uranium mining and milling
o Conversion and enrichment (gaseous diffusion, centrifuge)
o Fuel fabrication (pellets, rods, assemblies)
• In-core phase:
o Fuel burnup
o Neutron economy
• Back-end of the fuel cycle:
o Spent fuel storage (wet and dry)
o Reprocessing technologies (PUREX, UREX)
o Final disposal: geological repositories

Module 4: Radiation Protection and Health Physics
• Types and sources of radiation
• Radiation interaction with matter
• Biological effects of radiation (stochastic and deterministic effects)
• Measurement units: Becquerel, Gray, Sievert
• Radiation monitoring and detection instruments (Geiger-Müller counters, dosimeters)
• ALARA principle (As Low As Reasonably Achievable)
• Protective measures and shielding
• Occupational dose limits and personal dosimetry

Module 5: Nuclear Waste Management
• Classification: Low, Intermediate, and High-Level Waste
• Treatment techniques: compaction, incineration, vitrification
• Storage methods: on-site vs. off-site, dry cask vs. pool storage
• Deep geological disposal (e.g., Yucca Mountain concept)
• Transmutation and partitioning technologies
• International best practices in waste management

Module 6: Regulatory Framework and Licensing
• Role of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)
• International treaties and conventions:
o Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT)
o Convention on Nuclear Safety
o Joint Convention on Waste and Spent Fuel
• National regulatory bodies (e.g., NRC in the U.S., ASN in France)
• Licensing and permitting process:
o Site approval
o Construction license
o Operating license
o Decommissioning license
• Compliance monitoring, inspections, and audits

Module 7: Nuclear Security, Safeguards, and Non-Proliferation
• Physical protection of nuclear materials
• Insider threats and cyber-security measures
• IAEA safeguards: material accounting, surveillance
• Nuclear forensics and trafficking prevention
• Export controls and international collaboration
• Emergency preparedness and response planning

Module 8: Civil and Industrial Applications of Nuclear Technology
• Nuclear medicine:
o Radiopharmaceuticals (e.g., Tc-99m)
o Diagnostic imaging (PET, SPECT)
o Cancer treatment (brachytherapy, radiotherapy)
• Industrial applications:
o Radiography for weld inspection
o Gauging and material thickness
o Food irradiation
• Scientific research: nuclear research reactors, isotopic tracing

Module 9: Environmental, Safety, and Economic Aspects
• Environmental impact of nuclear power:
o Carbon footprint comparison
o Thermal pollution and water use
• Nuclear accidents and lessons learned:
o Three Mile Island
o Chernobyl
o Fukushima
• Economic analysis of nuclear power:
o Capital and operational costs
o Levelized Cost of Electricity (LCOE)
o Subsidies, incentives, and insurance
• Public perception and communication strategies

Module 10: Future Trends and Innovations in Nuclear Energy
• Advances in reactor technology:
o Generation III and IV designs
o SMRs and floating nuclear plants
• Fusion energy:
o Principles of fusion
o ITER project overview
o Challenges and prospects
• Hybrid energy systems (nuclear + renewables)
• Artificial intelligence in nuclear plant operations
• Climate change mitigation and the role of nuclear energy