B.S. M.S and Phd in Nuclear Engineering

[Thermalne]

I recently finished an associates degree in Mathematics from a local college in Georgia, and I am entering the University of Tennessee at Knoxville for Nuclear Engineering.

If you have any experience with this Uni. how good is their nuke program? Will I be hurting from getting a degree from there instead of University of Michigan?

Also how helpful would a possible dual major or secondary masters in Mechanical engineering be?

 

[pallidin]

Greetings, I forwarded your question to a friend of mine who was there.
Here was his comments:


"The UTK has a great accredited nuclear engineering program!

As you know, was in the graduate program there myself. As for the University of Michigan, would say it's comparable as far as I know, but he really should pay a visit to both universities. Going to spend a number of years there, better off getting a first hand feel for things. As for dual degree or double major, would say stick to one as it's going to be hard enough, but he really should talk to his advisor about this. Jumping from math to any engineering will definitely keep you busy :^)

 

[Astronuc]

I recently finished an associates degree in Mathematics from a local college in Georgia, and I am entering the University of Tennessee at Knoxville for Nuclear Engineering.

If you have any experience with this Uni. how good is their nuke program? Will I be hurting from getting a degree from there instead of University of Michigan?

Also how helpful would a possible dual major or secondary masters in Mechanical engineering be?

As far as I know, UTK has a good engineering program, although I don't know the specifics of the Nuc E program. They interact with Oak Ridge National Lab, so there might be some good opportunities there.

http://www.engr.utk.edu/nuclear/

 

[theCandyman]

I had interned with some UT guys before. They are a lot more accommodating to the co-operative work program that Georgia Tech, as they offer classes twice a year instead of once. I would strongly suggest you check this program out to get some real world experience. I'm not familiar with University of Michigan though.

 

[Thermalne]

"They are a lot more accommodating to the co-operative work program that Georgia Tech,"

That?

Also thanks for the recommendations and advice, I'm heading to UTk for the fall for at least my Bachelors. I was considering UM mainly for my PhD.

 

[tenparsecs]

If you're going to double major, I wouldn't do two engineering majors. Couple one engineering major with something more theoretical and "pure" such as physics or math.

 

[Thermalne]

How so? Why would a theoretical help with a more application field?

 

[edgepflow]

Tennessee has a very good NE program. After your BENE, consider a MS in mechanical engineering.

 

[Thermalne]

If you're going to double major, I wouldn't do two engineering majors. Couple one engineering major with something more theoretical and "pure" such as physics or math.

I would like to know if this is a good idea or not, I'm looking at maybe adding Applied Physics for a dual major.

 

[Astronuc]

Tennessee has a very good NE program. After your BENE, consider a MS in mechanical engineering.

UTK really does have a good program, and they are still building it up.

http://catalog.utk.edu/content.php?catoid=2&navoid=107 (use prefixes NE, ME, MSE and click on filter)

With respect to achieving a BS, MS and PhD in NE, it's reasonable if one wishes to focus in nuclear energy. For a second major, I'd recommend Mech Eng, Mat Sci, or Physics, and particularly classes that are heavy in computation. I've actually prefer a blend of applied and theoretical, but not necessarily to the QM/QP/SR level, although it's possible for certain areas.

Consider a course like ME 452 - Finite Element Analysis
3 Credit Hours
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Conversion of fundamental conservation principles in mechanics to simulation form via finite element implementation. Applications in heat transfer, solid mechanics, mechanical vibrations, fluid mechanics and heat/mass transport. Extensive computer lab experiments using Matlab-based and commercial software systems.
Recommended Background: 321, 344, and 363.

If at all possible, one should look for expsosure to codes like ANSYS or ABAQUS.

This is a hot area right now, and very relevant to current and advanced nuclear power systems, and also to non-nuclear systems at high temperature.

MSE 612 - Computational Plasticity and Micromechanics
3 Credit Hours
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Computational modeling and simulation methods will be introduced with applications in plasticity, fracture and fatigue, microstructural evolution, and material instability in engineering structural materials. Topics include the classic finite element method based on constitutive modeling, cohesive interface model, discrete dislocation dynamics, atomistic/continuum coupling techniques, and current research areas that are pertinent to the research efforts at UT and ORNL.

along with

MSE 650 - Mechanical Behavior of Solids at Elevated Temperatures
3 Credit Hours
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Metals, ceramics, polymers, and composites will be included. Topics include: temperature effect on stress-strain behavior, anelasticity, damping, creep, creep mechanisms, strengthening at high temperatures, creep rupture, deformation map and engineering application, environmental effects, high-temperature indentation, high temperature plastic forming, superplasticity, creep-fatigue interaction, life prediction. Provides scientific knowledge to face and solve material problems encountered in high temperature applications.
(DE) Prerequisite(s): 511 and 512.

 

[Thermalne]

Thank you I really do appreciate the help. I'm leaning more towards a dual in theoretical physics with the nuke degree..