Nuclear Issues: Energy, Weapons and the Environment

The advances of nuclear science and technology is closely tied to the development of nuclear weapons and nuclear energy. This seminar reviews basic concepts of nuclear physics and nuclear chemistry and then describes the history of the development of nuclear weapons and nuclear power plants. For nuclear weapons, the course focuses on proliferation and the theory of deterrence. We will use case studies to understand the nuclear threats from Russia, China and North Korea. For nuclear energy, the course focuses on power production, nuclear fuel cycles, the cost of nuclear power plants, nuclear accidents (Chernobyl and Fukushima Daiichi) and nuclear waste management and disposal. Finally, the students will examine the impact of nuclear power, as an energy source that has very low levels of greenhouse gas emissions, on global climate change. Each student will complete an individual research project/paper and make a presentation that will be focused on an aspect of the energy, nuclear weapons and climate change nexus.