MVZb2016 Nuclear technologies in contemporary world

Faculty of Social Studies
Autumn 2021
Extent and Intensity
2/0/0. 4 credit(s). Type of Completion: zk (examination).
Teacher(s)
doc. PhDr. Tomáš Vlček, Ph.D. (lecturer)
PhDr. Petr Suchý, Ph.D. (lecturer)
Mgr. Tereza Stašáková (seminar tutor)
doc. Ing. Václav Dostál, Ph.D. (lecturer)
doc. Ing. Karel Katovský, Ph.D. (lecturer)
Ing. Pavel Zácha, Ph.D. (lecturer)
Guaranteed by
doc. PhDr. Tomáš Vlček, Ph.D.
Department of International Relations and European Studies – Faculty of Social Studies
Contact Person: Olga Cídlová, DiS.
Supplier department: Department of International Relations and European Studies – Faculty of Social Studies
Timetable
Tue 10:00–11:40 P21a
Prerequisites (in Czech)
! MVZ216 Uranium in IR and CR && !NOW( MVZ216 Uranium in IR and CR )
Course Enrolment Limitations
The course is only offered to the students of the study fields the course is directly associated with.
fields of study / plans the course is directly associated with
Course objectives
The aim of the course Nuclear technologies in contemporary world is to acquaint students with the basic problems of individual sectors not only of the uranium economy, but also of nuclear energy, nuclear weapons, or civilian nuclear applications. The course is structured to provide students with a comprehensive view on key aspects of uranium and nuclear technology applications. Students will first be introduced to the history of uranium mining and nuclear energy in the Czech Republic and then they will be introduced to all key aspects of uranium use: radioactivity and effects of ionizing radiation, nuclear power plant operation, nuclear fuel cycle, nuclear project financing, environmental aspects of nuclear energy, nuclear energy accidents and non-traditional uses of uranium in the military, transport, international politics and elsewhere. The conclusion of the course will be devoted to the issue of small modular reactors (SMR) and their potential in ensuring energy security.
Learning outcomes
The course is intended as an introductory into the broad discipline of uranium economy and nuclear technologies. Graduates will obtain complex information, through which they will be able to analyze a wide range of issues related to acquisition and use of various nuclear technologies, whether in a civilian or military environment. Graduates will be able to orient themselves in technical and economic aspects of the issue.
Syllabus
  • 1) Introductory lesson, History of uranium mining and nuclear energy in the CR
  • 2) Nuclear fuel cycle and its application on the CR I
  • 3) Nuclear fuel cycle and its application on the CR II
  • 4) Uranium in international politics
  • 5) Unknown nuclear accidents
  • 6) Perspectives of Czech Nuclear Energy in the EU
  • 7) Financing of nuclear projects
  • 8) Environmental aspects of nuclear energy
  • 9) Nuclear accidents in the world and the CSSR
  • 10) Radioactivity and sources of ionizing radiation
  • 11) Effects of ionizing radiation on human organism
  • 12) Non-traditional use of nuclear energy
  • 13) Small modular reactors
Literature
    required literature
  • Bodansky, David (2004): Nuclear Energy - Principles, Practices, and Prospects, New York: Springer, s. 171-192, 193-220, 411-438.
  • Erkens, Jeff W. (2010). The Nuclear Imperative - A Critical Look at the Approaching Energy Crisis (More Physics for Presidents). Dordrecht/Heidelberg/London/New York: Springer, s. 135-156, 157-170. ISBN 978-90-481-8666-2.
  • Ricotti, M. E., & Fomin, R. V. (2020): Small modular reactors. In Nuclear Reactor Technology Development and Utilization (s. 187-211). Woodhead Publishing.
  • Kidd, Steve (2010): Nuclear Fuel: Myths and Realities, In: Sokolski, Henry (2010, ed.): Nuclear Power’s Global Expansion: Weighing Its Costs and Risks, Carlisle: Strategic Studies Institute of the US Army War College, s. 479-523.
  • HÁLA, Jiří. Radioaktivita, ionizující záření, jaderná energie (Radioactivity, Ionizing Radiation, Nuclear Energy). První vydání. Nakladatelství Konvoj, spol. s.r.o.: Brno, 1998, 311 pp. ISBN 80-85615-56-8. info
Teaching methods
Lectures, discussion, compulsory reading, essay
Assessment methods
Essay, exam test
Language of instruction
Czech
Further comments (probably available only in Czech)
Study Materials
The course is taught annually.
Teacher's information
With regard to the Decision of the Rector of Masaryk University No. 8/2020, teaching will take place fully online through the Zoom program.
The course is also listed under the following terms Autumn 2019, Autumn 2020, Autumn 2022, Autumn 2024.
  • Enrolment Statistics (Autumn 2021, recent)
  • Permalink: https://is.muni.cz/course/fss/autumn2021/MVZb2016