Nuclear Science and Engineering

A strong pink glow seen through a reinforced porthole.

An intense beam of pink "plasma" strikes a metal surface in the DIONISOS experiment which is used for studying the interaction between plasmas, the fourth state of matter, and materials. (Image courtesy of Plasma Surface Interaction Science Center at PSFC (MIT).)


Research and education in nuclear science and engineering first began at MIT in 1948.

The program was one of the first of its kind in the country, and civilians and military personnel flocked to the Institute to learn about nuclear weapons and propulsion. Today the department focuses on creating a broad range of nuclear engineering applications that improve human and environmental health. MIT researchers conducted one of the first studies on nuclear reactors for large-scale electricity generation in 1953. Today we are working to make nuclear power the safest, most economical, and most environmentally friendly way of generating electricity.

Despite having roots at MIT that span more than 60 years, nuclear engineering is relatively new compared to other engineering disciplines, and its many applications will benefit society in areas from healthcare and radiation detection to space exploration and advanced materials. Our community members make key scientific and engineering advances in fission engineering and nuclear energy, fusion and plasma physics, and nuclear science and technology. We conduct research to support the International Tokamak Experimental Reactor project and collaborate with experts throughout industry and academia.


Nuclear Science and Engineering Courses

Course # Course Title Level
22.00J Introduction to Modeling and Simulation Undergraduate
22.01 Introduction to Nuclear Engineering and Ionizing Radiation Undergraduate
22.012 Seminar: Fusion and Plasma Physics (Spring 2006) Undergraduate
22.02 Introduction to Applied Nuclear Physics Undergraduate
22.033 Nuclear Systems Design Project (Fall 2011) Undergraduate
22.05 Neutron Science and Reactor Physics Undergraduate
22.058 Principles of Medical Imaging Undergraduate
22.06 Engineering of Nuclear Systems Undergraduate
22.071J Introduction to Electronics, Signals, and Measurement Undergraduate
22.081J Introduction to Sustainable Energy (Fall 2010) Undergraduate
22.091 Nuclear Reactor Safety (Spring 2008) Undergraduate
22.103 Microscopic Theory of Transport Undergraduate
22.A09 Career Options for Biomedical Research Undergraduate
22.S27 Seminar: Fusion and Plasma Physics (Spring 2006) Undergraduate
22.S902 Do-It-Yourself (DIY) Geiger Counters Undergraduate
22.THT Undergraduate Thesis Tutorial Undergraduate
22.101 Applied Nuclear Physics (Fall 2006) Graduate
22.101 Applied Nuclear Physics (Fall 2003) Graduate
22.105 Electromagnetic Interactions Graduate
22.106 Neutron Interactions and Applications Graduate
22.14 Materials in Nuclear Engineering Graduate
22.15 Essential Numerical Methods Graduate
22.251 Systems Analysis of the Nuclear Fuel Cycle Graduate
22.312 Engineering of Nuclear Reactors Graduate
22.313J Thermal Hydraulics in Power Technology Graduate
22.314J Structural Mechanics in Nuclear Power Technology Graduate
22.33 Nuclear Systems Design Project (Fall 2011) Graduate
22.38 Probability And Its Applications To Reliability, Quality Control, And Risk Assessment Graduate
22.39 Integration of Reactor Design, Operations, and Safety Graduate
22.40J Fundamentals of Advanced Energy Conversion Graduate
22.51 Quantum Theory of Radiation Interactions Graduate
22.52J Statistical Thermodynamics of Complex Liquids Graduate
22.55J Principles of Radiation Interactions Graduate
22.56J Noninvasive Imaging in Biology and Medicine Graduate
22.561J Magnetic Resonance Analytic, Biochemical, and Imaging Techniques Graduate
22.611J Introduction to Plasma Physics I (Fall 2006) Graduate
22.611J Introduction to Plasma Physics I (Fall 2003) Graduate
22.615 MHD Theory of Fusion Systems Graduate
22.616 Plasma Transport Theory Graduate
22.68J Superconducting Magnets Graduate
22.71J Physical Metallurgy Graduate
22.811J Introduction to Sustainable Energy (Fall 2010) Graduate
22.812J Managing Nuclear Technology Graduate
22.82 Engineering Risk-Benefit Analysis Graduate
22.903 Nuclear Reactor Safety (Spring 2008) Graduate
22.903 Photon and Neutron Scattering Spectroscopy and Its Applications in Condensed Matter Graduate
22.920 A Hands-On Introduction to Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Graduate
22.921 Nuclear Power Plant Dynamics and Control Graduate

Archived Nuclear Science and Engineering Courses

Some prior versions of courses listed above have been archived in OCW's DSpace@MIT repository for long-term access and preservation. Links to archived prior versions of a course may be found on that course's "Other Versions" tab.

Additionally, the Archived Nuclear Science and Engineering Courses page has links to every archived course from this department.