Australia's responsible stewardship of its nuclear capabilities is conditioned upon us continuing to fulfil our international obligations of security and safeguards, as a non nuclear weapons state. Our entry into the AUKUS agreement makes Australia unique, as the first non-nuclear power to adopt nuclear technology for non-peaceful purposes. This course unpacks the implications of this for professionals responsible for the security and safeguarding of nuclear material and technologies. It provides an overview of the history of non-proliferation, international safeguards theory, the network of treaties that are the sources of legal authority for safeguards, Australia's obligations within that framework, relevant international and domestic regulatory institutions including the International Atomic Energy Agency and Australia's role in these, as well as recent debates and negotiations catalysed by the AUKUS agreement. At the regulatory level, it explores the role of standards in safeguards regulation; radiation monitoring and safeguards systems; tools and technique of inspection and verification; enforcement and compliance; export controls; and nuclear security.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the international legal frameworks and institutions that regulate nuclear security and safeguards, in particular the treaty framework and Australia's international legal obligations.
- Explain the principles of nuclear physics relevant to regulating nuclear technology and ensuring safeguards and security standards are met, including in relation to new technologies.
- Analyse the role of international and domestic regulators in securing and safeguarding nuclear materials and technologies in Australia from diverse disciplinary perspectives, including Australia's relationship with the IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency) and how concepts such as nuclear stewardship are understood within and outside Australia
- Understand the role and regulatory techniques of nuclear safeguards oversight, including inspection and audit.
- Communicate regulatory issues arising from the implementation of nuclear safeguards in Australia to specialist and non-specialist audiences in government, industry and the public.
Indicative Assessment
- In class participation in simulated negotiation (10) [LO 1,3]
- Electronic submission of two questions for each session, submitted prior to class (10) [LO 1,2,3,4]
- Leading one in-class informal discussion or formal debate, including a 1000-word précis of relevant reading(s) (20) [LO 1,2,3,4]
- Research and writing outline for an essay or scholarly blog post - 1000 words (20) [LO 1,2,4,5]
- Essay or scholarly blog post - 3000 words (30) [LO 1,2,4,5]
The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.
Workload
This course requires 30 contact hours and 130 hours workload in total
Inherent Requirements
Not applicable
Prescribed Texts
No prescribed texts
Preliminary Reading
IAEA Statute - Statute defines the IAEA, its roles and responsibilities, its governance and its relationship with the member States (Australia is a signatory of the Statue)
INFCIRC/140 - Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons - Text of the NPT (Australia is a signatory of the NPTINFCIRC/9 - Agreement on the Privileges and Immunities of the Agency - Australia has accepted the Privileges and Immunities of the IAEA
INFCIRC/153(corrected) -The Structure and Content of Agreements Between the Agency and States Required in Connection with the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons - Guidance document, produced in conjunction with the States defining the structure and content of safeguards agreements between the IAEA and States required in connection with the NPT
INFCIRC/540 - Model Protocol Additional to the Agreement(s) Between State(s) and the International Atomic Energy Agency for the Application of Safeguards - Model treaty text, produced in conjunction with the States for a protocol additional to their safeguards agreement granting the Agency additional rights of access and placing additional reporting obligations on the States.
INFCIRC/217 - The Text of the Agreement Between Australia and the Agency for the Application of Safeguards in Connection with the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons - Text of Australia’s safeguards agreement with the IAEA
Assumed Knowledge
Not applicable
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
Commonwealth Support (CSP) Students
If you have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). More information about your student contribution amount for each course at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 14
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are a domestic graduate coursework student with a Domestic Tuition Fee (DTF) place or international student you will be required to pay course tuition fees (see below). Course tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Course fees
- Domestic fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $4320 |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $6360 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.
Class summaries, if available, can be accessed by clicking on the View link for the relevant class number.
Autumn Session
| Class number | Class start date | Last day to enrol | Census date | Class end date | Mode Of Delivery | Class Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| On Campus | ||||||
| 5463 | 19 May 2025 | 30 May 2025 | 30 May 2025 | 30 Jun 2025 | In Person | N/A |
| Online | ||||||
| 5464 | 19 May 2025 | 30 May 2025 | 30 May 2025 | 30 Jun 2025 | Online | N/A |