Nuclear Engineering

Nuclear engineering is the branch of engineering concerned with the design, construction, and operation of nuclear reactors. The coursework in nuclear engineering includes nuclear fusion, medical applications, nuclear safety, radiation, heat and thermodynamics, nuclear fuel, nuclear waste disposal, nuclear proliferation, and the effects of radioactivity on the environment. India is in the middle of the biggest expansion of nuclear power in its history, adding 20 GWe in the next 14 years in the form of pressure water reactors and fast breeder reactors. At the same time, the United States is overturning decades of policy in order to resume the export of nuclear materials to India, opening up the possibility of private investors in the Indian nuclear industry for the first time. The future of Nuclear Engineering seems very bright and will produce great employment opportunities in our country.

Courses and Eligibility:

The eligibility criterion for admissions to a bachelor’s programme is a 10+2 pass in the Science stream with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics as core subjects. The 2-year MTech course can be pursued after successfully completing an undergraduate course. Students must go through entrance exams such as GATE for admissions to BTech and MTech courses. A strong foundation in the radiation sciences is recommended for all students pursuing Nuclear Engineering.

Career Prospects :

Nuclear engineers find work opportunities as engineers and researchers in research and development organizations, nuclear power plants, and nuclear reactors. In academics nuclear engineers find employment as lectures and professors and actively contribute to nuclear researches. Nuclear engineers also get employment in government and private agencies dealing with environmental safety. Opportunities are huge for nuclear engineers. The demand for professionals in this field is always high because of the dearth in the number of students opting for this course.

Remuneration:

• High-paying jobs can be expected once a person acquires adequate qualifications and experience in the field.
• Other factors affecting the salary of a Nuclear Engineering postgraduate are the job type and the location of the job.
• In the year 2005 average salaries earned by postgraduate nuclear engineers was around $58,814, a figure that can go as high as individual capabilities can take.
• Other perks include pension plans, paid vacations, and health insurance.