As the only baseline energy source with zero carbon emissions, nuclear energy will play a key role in order to achieve the goal of carbon neutrality by the middle of the century. Proper and advanced designs of nuclear reactors are vital to ensure safety and economic competitiveness of nuclear energy. This course involves integration of nuclear and reactor physics, thermal-hydraulics, safety, materials, and nuclear power plant components and systems. It provides opportunities to synthesize knowledge acquired in nuclear and non-nuclear subjects and apply this knowledge to practical problems of current interest in nuclear applications design.

The overall design project is the integration of several sub-projects. Accordingly, the class will be divided into several teams with one team focuses on a specific sub-project. The project requires design parameters selection, optimization, and engineering judgment as a team. The parameter selection and design of one team will impact the design of other teams. Therefore, individual work as well as teamwork will be required to successfully complete this project.