Zeeland has a crucial role to play in the Netherlands' ambition to achieve climate goals. Besides the various innovations around clean energy, there are plans to build two new nuclear power plants in Zeeland. But how does nuclear energy actually work? And what do the systems inside a nuclear power plant look like? During the Nuclear Technology minor, you will discover the basics of nuclear energy and even obtain a certified diploma as a radiation protection expert.

Radiation hygiene course

The first part of the minor consists of the Radiation Hygiene course, provided in cooperation with experts from TU Delft and professionals from the nuclear industry. You will learn what ionising radiation is and how to deal with it safely and responsibly. The course ends with an exam, after which you receive a recognised diploma (TMS VRS-D). This qualifies you to work with radioactive substances up to 0.2 Reinh, a requirement for anyone working in a nuclear environment. If you want to work in the nuclear sector later on, you will already have this diploma in your pocket.

The basics of nuclear energy

In the second part of the minor, you will dive deeper into the fundamentals of nuclear energy. You will get to know the nuclear industry in practice. Among other things, you will learn about ionising radiation, nuclear fuel, cooling techniques and the latest developments and innovations. You will do most of this from the Joint Research Centre Zeeland in Middelburg. At this research centre, you will also work with a digital practical simulator. This allows you to simulate and practice working inside a nuclear power plant.

Excursions

You will visit several nuclear facilities during the minor. For example, you will visit COVRA (nuclear waste storage), Urenco (uranium enrichment) and EPZ (nuclear reactor in Zeeland). You will study technology and operations, but also topics such as safety and regulations.

Concluding with a debate

Nuclear energy is a widely debated topic. Due to energy, environmental and climate issues, the social debate on nuclear energy as part of a CO2-free energy mix is topical again. You conclude the minor with a solidly based House of Commons debate on the role of nuclear energy in our energy transition.

Structure minor

During the minor Nuclear Technology you will contribute to the following Sustainable Development Goal:

• SDG 7: Affordable and clean energy

Renewable energy solutions are becoming cheaper, more reliable and more efficient every day.Our current reliance on fossil fuels is unsustainable and harmful to the planet, which is why we have to change the way we produce and consume energy. Implementing these new energy solutions as fast as possible is essential to counter climate change, one of the biggest threats to our own survival.

With this minor, you will learn the following:

• Showing an inquisitive attitude in the nuclear debate
  With your inquisitive attitude and expertise, you will contribute to improving the discussion on nuclear energy.
  
  
• Leveraging nuclear expertise and knowledge
  You are able to find, analyse and apply new knowledge.
  
  
• Contribute to a joint investigative approach to the nuclear debate
  You can look at and investigate nuclear energy from different perspectives. This allows you to better understand the impact of new nuclear developments on the environment and on achieving climate goals. 

This minor is of interest to students from different technical study programmes, such as Engineering, Civil Engineering, Industrial Engineering & Management or Chemistry.

You must have completed the propaedeutic phase and 30 credits in the main phase.

Basic maths skills are important during your Radiation Hygiene course.

These include:

- Working with a scientific calculator
- Scientific notation
- Powers of 10
- Prefixes
- Solving and transforming equations

There is no required literature for this minor.

Your average week will look like the following:

- On average 3 days a week there will be time (as much as possible in the mornings) for classes and workshops. In the afternoons, you will have time to work individually or with group members on the (final) assignment(s). This usually takes place at the HZ in Middelburg. In a few cases, this is combined with a visit to external locations.

- The fourth day in the week is spent on company visits, excursions or self-planned coaching/expert moments with senior officials in the sector.

- You will use the fifth day in the week for self-study and processing your acquired knowledge.

You conclude the minor with a portfolio including the following components:

- You demonstrate active participation in the minor activities and excursions.

- Your obtained certification TMS VRS-D (Supervisory Radiation Protection Officer D).

- You provide in-depth justification of the arguments you made during the final debate.

- You look back on the minor and your participation in the final debate. You reflect on the feedback you received from experts, coaches and people present at the debate.

HZ has study programs in Vlissingen and Middelburg. Students from all over the world study here. We think it is important that you get the best out of yourself and develop your talents. At HZ, you matter.

Do you have any questions? Or would you like to discuss whether this minor suits you? We will be happy to help. You can contact Allison Putira at allison.putira@hz.nl.