Nuclear Engineering and Chemistry Concern

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the relationship between nuclear engineering and chemistry, specifically addressing the extent to which chemistry is involved in nuclear engineering education and practice. Participants share personal experiences and insights regarding the necessity of chemistry knowledge in the field.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions the necessity of chemistry in nuclear engineering, expressing concern due to a lack of background in the subject.
  • Another participant shares their experience from 40 years ago, stating that their nuclear engineering program included no chemistry, focusing instead on mathematics, electrical engineering, nuclear physics, and aeronautical engineering.
  • A subsequent reply humorously acknowledges the previous participant's incomplete experience in the program.
  • One participant suggests that remembering specific chemical concentrations, such as the relationship between boric acid and boron, may suffice for practical applications, implying that on-the-job learning could compensate for formal chemistry education.
  • The same participant reiterates the importance of memorizing the boric acid concentration for practical purposes.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There is no clear consensus on the role of chemistry in nuclear engineering, with differing personal experiences and opinions expressed by participants.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the reliance on personal anecdotes and the absence of a comprehensive overview of current nuclear engineering curricula, which may vary by institution.

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Does nuclear engineering require a lot of chemistry? Chemistry is not my strongest subject simply because I chose to skip it in high school. So I just wanted to know if it was heavily ridden with chemistry. And if so what topics do I have to look forward to. ugh...
 
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I got half way through a nuclear engineering degree course 40 years ago , at that time there was only one university doing this in the UK ... QMC London ... they have their own reactor near mile end... Absolutely no chemistry in the course ...plenty maths ..., elect eng... nucl. physics , and for some strange reason aeronautical eng.
 
Thanks for the reply! This is at least half good to hear (since you only got half way through)! lol
 
If you can remember 1 weight percent boric acid is 1750 ppm boron, you'll probably be OK. Unless you want to work in the chemistry dept, you can probably pick up the chemistry you need "on the job."
 
gmax137 said:
If you can remember 1 weight percent boric acid is 1750 ppm boron, you'll probably be OK. Unless you want to work in the chemistry dept, you can probably pick up the chemistry you need "on the job."

Okay committing that to memory!
 

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