Materials Science and Nuclear Engineering?

AI Thread Summary
For research in nuclear radiation and nuclear physics, pursuing a degree in physics is recommended due to its relevance to nuclear energy. In the UK, specialized undergraduate degrees in nuclear engineering are available, allowing for focused study. Combining nuclear engineering with materials science can be beneficial, as some nuclear engineering programs include courses on nuclear materials, which are crucial for reactor and power plant environments. However, traditional materials science programs often lack radiation effects courses. Engineering physics with a focus on materials science is another viable path. Key topics to consider include the effects of neutron, gamma/X-ray, and beta radiation on materials, as well as factors like exposure dose, material composition, and service environment conditions.
stann999
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If I would like to do research in materials having to do with nuclear radiation and nuclear physics, what type of degree path should I follow?
 
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Physics or Materials Science, would make sense.

Jim
 
So what do I have to get a bachelor's in materials science and then go to graduate school for nuclear engineering?
 
I don't know where you are, but i think, if possible, it would be better to go for a physics degree, because it will have more content relating to nuclear energy.

Then specialise in nuclear engineering for your post grad stuff.

I'm in the UK and you can even do specific undergraduate degrees in nuclear engineering. Its different in the UK where you entire time at undergrad is specialised to one subject, unlike the US.

Jim
 
No I can get an undergrad degree in nuclear engineering but I don't know how I would combine that with materials science.
 
stann999 said:
No I can get an undergrad degree in nuclear engineering but I don't know how I would combine that with materials science.
I received degrees in Nuclear Engineering and took courses in Materials Science. Some nuclear engineering programs have courses in nuclear materials, that is materials used in the nuclear reactor and power plant environment.

Some universities have both Nuclear Engineering and Materials Science programs. Usually, Materials Science programs do not include a course in radiation effects on materials.

One might also consider engineering physics with materials science. For the school of interest, find any course on radiation effects on materials, or materials in nuclear environment.

Bascially one is concerned with neutron, gamma/X-ray and beta irradation. Dose (exposure) and dose rate are important, as is the initial state (composition and microstructure), as well as service environment (temperature, pressure/stress, and contact with other materials, e.g. coolants like water, CO2, liquid metals, etc.).

FYI - http://www.astm.org/BOOKSTORE/STP_SERIES/RadEffects.htm
 
Last edited:
Ok thanks
 

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