Train the lecturers (IA-3)

GA4: Train the lecturers (CTU)

Date:

05. 10. 2022 – 07. 10. 2022 (3 working days)

Venue:

Prague, Czech Republic

Organisers:

Czech Technical University in Prague, Czech Republic, as a member of the European Nuclear Experimental Educational Platform (ENEEP).

Language:

English

Purpose:

Since the first nuclear reactors became operational in the 1940s, research reactors have played an essential role in the peaceful use of nuclear energy worldwide. A research reactor can be used in a wide range of nuclear activities, from supporting nuclear technology (nuclear power generation) through nuclear science and education to neutron applications. In addition, the neutrons from research reactors can be found in industry, medicine and agriculture, as well as in cultural heritage preservation and food and health projects.

Experimental nuclear education and hands-on activities at a research reactor can be provided for students at all academic levels (Bachelor, Master, Doctoral), not only in nuclear engineering but also in various non-nuclear engineering studies, such as power engineering, electrical engineering, natural sciences, medical sciences, physical sciences, etc. In this case, a research reactor as a complex nuclear installation is usually used, and its various operational characteristics are studied. In addition, a research reactor is also excellent instrumentation for providing experimental education and hands-on activities for non-engineering students in neutron sciences, neutron applications or nuclear analytical techniques used in various fields of human activities such as archaeology, biology, geology, medicine, earth or environmental sciences, or forensic science. In this case, a research reactor has used a source of neutrons or gamma radiation.

The objective of the course is to demonstrate the educational capability of research reactors and their application in various engineering and non-engineering curricula. Four typical educational experiments will be carried out at the Training Reactor VR-1 to show the advantages of experimental education and hands-on activities and its "pedagogical added value" in increasing the quality of the educational process. In addition, a lecture on the use of research reactors in nuclear education and a discussion with all participants to share their educational experiences are included in the course programme.

Eligible countries (Grant application requirement):

27 European Union countries, Norway, Iceland, Lichtenstein, Switzerland, The United Kingdom, Serbia, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, and North Macedonia

Participants’ qualifications:

The course is aimed at lecturers of higher academic education (i.e. from universities) who are involved in nuclear and neutron-related academic curricula, such as nuclear engineering, power engineering, mechanical engineering, and electrical engineering, with future assignments in various nuclear curricula. In addition, the course is also aimed at lecturers involved in neutron sciences, neutron applications or nuclear analytical techniques used in various fields of human activities such as archaeology, biology, geology, medicine, earth or environmental sciences, or forensic science.

The course is dedicated to senior lecturers, such as full or associated professors with long-term academic education experiences in Bachelor's, Master or Doctoral study programmes. These senior lecturers may consider extending their education to the experimental field and hands-on activities in a real nuclear reactor. The course is also dedicated to young professionals, such as assistants with current or future assignments linked to education in nuclear and neutron-related academic curricula.

Course programme:

Day 1 (9.00-16.30)

  • Welcome session, logistics, safety briefing
  • Visit the Training reactor VR-1 and Subcritical reactor VR-2 (in construction)
  • Lecture on use of research reactors in nuclear education
  • Experiment No. 1- Reactor physics experiments

Day 2 (9.00-16.30)

  • Experiment No. 2- Reactor physics experiments
  • Experiment No. 3 - Basic principles of radiation protection in practice

Day 3 (9.00-14.30)

  • Experiment No. 4 - Use of neutron activation analysis in everyday life
  • Sharing experiences in education at home university among all participants
  • Final session, adjourn

The course dinner hosted by the Czech Technical University will be organised in the evening of Day 1 or Day 2.

Course directors:

Lubomir Sklenka, CTU

Contact person:

Lubomir Sklenka, CTU

Application deadline:

22nd of September 2022, 23.59 CET

Application Procedure:

To apply to the course, the applicant should submit the following documents:

  • filled-in application form,
  • curriculum vitae.

The applicant should follow detailed instructions on the ENEEP website: https://eneep.org/application/demonstration-courses/

The number of accepted participants will be ten. The results of the application procedure will be sent to all applicants via email by 12 September 2022, 23.59 CET.

Course fee, fellowship:

The course is organised free of charge for all participants who will be selected as eligible. However, the course organisers do not provide fellowship to cover participants' travel, accommodation or other individual expenses.