Nuclear Engineering: Science, Systems and Society

In this exploratory seminar, first-year undergraduate students learn the basic physics of nuclear energy and radiation, and learn to communicate their knowledge and perspective by writing a traditional Op-Ed piece. The technical content emphasizes the unique attributes and challenges of nuclear energy as a low-carbon solution as well as the peaceful applications of ionizing radiation to help humankind. The open-ended writing project combines personal creativity and technical knowledge to share important messages about science. The course employs blended learning, as students use the {{% resource_link "5313f695-651b-4322-920e-df9af89e83e0" "online course 22.011x" %}}, freely available on the {{% resource_link "733ad061-d0e9-447b-a78b-80b3b4fb14f9" "MIT Open Learning Library" %}}, to learn the technical content, and meet together in person for the communication component, developing and polishing their Op-Eds.