In this course, students will learn about the nuclear fuel cycle, starting from how Uranium and Thorium elements are formed via nucleosynthesis and ending in how spent fuel from nuclear reactors is managed with safety and security in mind. Students will learn about proliferation concerns of relevance to the nuclear fuel cycle, engage in hands-on work of relevance to non-proliferation and safeguards work, and engage with some of the policy and regulatory considerations shaping safe, secure, and responsible handling of all aspects of the nuclear fuel cycle.  Students will also become aware of the national and international regulatory bodies involved in carrying out this work.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:

1. Construct a description of key elements of the nuclear fuel cycle, starting from the formation of key elements in stellar nucleosynthesis and ending in the long-term storage of spent fuel;
2. Describe uranium mining and fuel preparation methods and assess safety, security, and environmental impact considerations associated with mining and fuel preparation processes;
3. Quantitatively evaluate alternative uranium enrichment technologies;
4. Critique different nuclear waste disposal options with respect to safety, security, and environmental impact considerations;
5. Analyze proliferation risks and conceptualize approaches for safeguarding nuclear materials;
6. Apply knowledge of the roles of the IAEA, government policy, and national or other regulators in relation to nuclear safeguards and non-proliferation to identify opportunities for contributing to the safe, secure, and responsible use of nuclear systems in Australia.

Research-Led Teaching

The lecture videos and major assessment items draw from the research expertise of the teaching team. Details to be announced via Canvas.

Required Resources

Any reading or resources needed to engage in the course will be provided either via Canvas or during the in-person sessions.

Recommended Resources

Recommended student system requirements 

ANU courses commonly use a number of online resources and activities including:

• video material, similar to YouTube, for lectures and other instruction
• two-way video conferencing for interactive learning
• email and other messaging tools for communication
• interactive web apps for formative and collaborative activities
• print and photo/scan for handwritten work
• home-based assessment.

To fully participate in ANU learning, students need:

• A computer or laptop. Mobile devices may work well but in some situations a computer/laptop may be more appropriate.
• Webcam
• Speakers and a microphone (e.g. headset)
• Reliable, stable internet connection. Broadband recommended. If using a mobile network or wi-fi then check performance is adequate.
• Suitable location with minimal interruptions and adequate privacy for classes and assessments.
• Printing, and photo/scanning equipment

For more information please see https://www.anu.edu.au/students/systems/recommended-student-system-requirements

Staff Feedback

Students will be given feedback in the following forms in this course:

• written comments
• verbal comments
• feedback to whole class, groups, individuals, focus group etc

Student Feedback

ANU is committed to the demonstration of educational excellence and regularly seeks feedback from students. Students are encouraged to offer feedback directly to their Course Convener or through their College and Course representatives (if applicable). Feedback can also be provided to Course Conveners and teachers via the Student Experience of Learning & Teaching (SELT) feedback program. SELT surveys are confidential and also provide the Colleges and ANU Executive with opportunities to recognise excellent teaching, and opportunities for improvement.

Other Information

Course AI policy:

Students are permitted to use generative AI tools (e.g. ChatGPT, Claude.ai) for your assessments when the assessment in question explicitly allows AI tool use. This will be communicated in the assessment description. In cases where the use of such tools is allowed, you must:

• Read through and abide by the appropriate guidelines for citation and use on the ANU library website (https://libguides.anu.edu.au/generative-ai);
• Acknowledge and clearly explain how you have used any of these tools in the specific assessment as part of your assessment submission; and
• Describe how you validated any information or code generated by the AI tool in the submitted acknowledgement.

Where the convenor has compelling evidence suggesting a student or student team has not complied with this policy, students will be given the opportunity to defend the work in question, with the method of defence to be negotiated between the student(s) and convenor. If the student cannot convincingly demonstrate they have in good faith endeavoured to comply with this policy, the matter will be considered an academic integrity issue and will be handled via the standard academic integrity procedures (described above).

Class Schedule

Week/Session	Summary of Activities	Assessment
1	Course introduction (video)Fuel Cycle Overview (video lecture / podcast)
2	Nucleosynthesis (video lecture)Geology - Uranium / Thorium (video lecture)
3	Uranium Resources and Mining (video lecture)
4	Chemistry of the fuel cycle (video lecture)Radioecology and environmental monitoring (video lecture)
5	Uranium conversion (video lecture)
6	Uranium enrichment (video lecture)
7	Intensive week on campus. Guest lectures (x3), Lectorials (x3), Tutorials (x3), Labs (x2), Drop-in sessions (x2)	Problem set 1 (due end of intensive week)
8	Fuel Fabrication (video lecture)
9	Transport and Interim Fuel Storage (video lecture)	Lab report 1
10	Radioactive Waste Facilities (video lecture)Reprocessing and Radioactive Waste Management (video lecture)
11	Nuclear safeguards (video lecture)	Lab report 2
12	Thorium and Advanced Fuel Cycles (video lecture)	Problem set 2
13		Essay (in exam period)

Tutorial Registration

Please refer to the PHYS8205 Canvas page for information on scheduled sessions

Assessment Summary

Assessment task	Value	Learning Outcomes
Lab Report	20 %	1,5
Research Essay	40 %	1,2,3,4,5,6
Problem Sets	30 %	1,2,3,4,5,6
Quizzes	10 %	1,2,3,4,5,6

* If the Due Date and Return of Assessment date are blank, see the Assessment Tab for specific Assessment Task details

Policies

ANU has educational policies, procedures and guidelines , which are designed to ensure that staff and students are aware of the University’s academic standards, and implement them. Students are expected to have read the Academic Integrity Rule before the commencement of their course. Other key policies and guidelines include:

• Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
• Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure
• Extenuating Circumstances Application
• Student Surveys and Evaluations
• Deferred Examinations
• Student Complaint Resolution Policy and Procedure
• Code of practice for teaching and learning

Assessment Requirements

The ANU is using 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. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the Academic Skills website. In rare cases where online submission using Turnitin software is not technically possible; or where not using Turnitin software has been justified by the Course Convener and approved by the Associate Dean (Education) on the basis of the teaching model being employed; students shall submit assessment online via ‘Canvas’ outside of Turnitin, or failing that in hard copy, or through a combination of submission methods as approved by the Associate Dean (Education). The submission method is detailed below.

Moderation of Assessment

Marks that are allocated during Semester are to be considered provisional until formalised by the College examiners meeting at the end of each Semester. If appropriate, some moderation of marks might be applied prior to final results being released.

Participation

Students will be expected to complete video lectures and complete a short quiz each week, and attend a face-to-face intensive in the week of 15 September. The intensive will include guest lectures, lectorials (which will be run as discussion sessions to support the essay assessment), tutorials to support assignment work, and laboratory work. All lectures will be recorded, and a zoom link provided.

In exceptional circumstances alternative arrangements for participation in the labs can be discussed with the Convenor. If this is required please get in touch as soon as feasible to arrange logistics.

Assessment Task 1

Lab Report

Written Lab reports as outlined on course assessment page.

Due: Friday weeks 9, 11.

Assessment Task 2

Research Essay

Write a research essay on a fuel cycle topic. Topics and instructions will be provided on Canvas.

2,000 words. Provide references (these do not count towards your word count).

Due: Friday, 31 October

Assessment Task 3

Problem Sets

Exercises based on video lectures. These will be released via Canvas with instructions; you will have some choice of questions.

Due Week 7, 12

 

Assessment Task 4

Quizzes

Each teaching week, you will be expected to complete a short quiz on the lecture material on Canvas by the end of the week. These are short multiple choice / short answer, and are meant help you keep up with the assigned content each week. There are a total of 12 quizzes over the course of the semester; the lowest two quiz marks will be dropped.

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a core part of the ANU culture as a community of scholars. The University’s students are an integral part of that community. The academic integrity principle commits all students to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support, academic integrity, and to uphold this commitment by behaving honestly, responsibly and ethically, and with respect and fairness, in scholarly practice.

The University expects all staff and students to be familiar with the academic integrity principle, the Academic Integrity Rule 2021, the Policy: Student Academic Integrity and Procedure: Student Academic Integrity, and to uphold high standards of academic integrity to ensure the quality and value of our qualifications.

The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 is a legal document that the University uses to promote academic integrity, and manage breaches of the academic integrity principle. The Policy and Procedure support the Rule by outlining overarching principles, responsibilities and processes. The Academic Integrity Rule 2021 commences on 1 December 2021 and applies to courses commencing on or after that date, as well as to research conduct occurring on or after that date. Prior to this, the Academic Misconduct Rule 2015 applies.

 

The University commits to assisting all students to understand how to engage in academic work in ways that are consistent with, and actively support academic integrity. All coursework students must complete the online Academic Integrity Module (Epigeum), and Higher Degree Research (HDR) students are required to complete research integrity training. The Academic Integrity website provides information about services available to assist students with their assignments, examinations and other learning activities, as well as understanding and upholding academic integrity.

Online Submission

You will be required to electronically sign a declaration as part of the submission of your assignment. Please keep a copy of the assignment for your records. Unless an exemption has been approved by the Associate Dean (Education) submission must be through Turnitin.

Hardcopy Submission

For some forms of assessment (hand written assignments, art works, laboratory notes, etc.) hard copy submission is appropriate when approved by the Associate Dean (Education). Hard copy submissions must utilise the Assignment Cover Sheet. Please keep a copy of tasks completed for your records.

Late Submission

Individual assessment tasks may or may not allow for late submission. Policy regarding late submission is detailed below:

• Late submission permitted. Late submission of assessment tasks without an extension are penalised at the rate of 5% of the possible marks available per working day or part thereof. Late submission of assessment tasks is not accepted after 10 working days after the due date, or on or after the date specified in the course outline for the return of the assessment item. Late submission is not accepted for take-home examinations.

Referencing Requirements

The Academic Skills website has information to assist you with your writing and assessments. The website includes information about Academic Integrity including referencing requirements for different disciplines. There is also information on Plagiarism and different ways to use source material. Any use of artificial intelligence must be properly referenced. Failure to properly cite use of Generative AI will be considered a breach of academic integrity.

Returning Assignments

Assessment feedback will be provided via Canvas.

Extensions and Penalties

Extensions and late submission of assessment pieces are covered by the Student Assessment (Coursework) Policy and Procedure. Extensions may be granted for assessment pieces that are not examinations or take-home examinations. If you need an extension, you must request an extension in writing on or before the due date. If you have documented and appropriate medical evidence that demonstrates you were not able to request an extension on or before the due date, you may be able to request it after the due date.

Resubmission of Assignments

Resubmission of assessments is not permitted.

Privacy Notice

The ANU has made a number of third party, online, databases available for students to use. Use of each online database is conditional on student end users first agreeing to the database licensor’s terms of service and/or privacy policy. Students should read these carefully. In some cases student end users will be required to register an account with the database licensor and submit personal information, including their: first name; last name; ANU email address; and other information.
In cases where student end users are asked to submit ‘content’ to a database, such as an assignment or short answers, the database licensor may only use the student’s ‘content’ in accordance with the terms of service – including any (copyright) licence the student grants to the database licensor. Any personal information or content a student submits may be stored by the licensor, potentially offshore, and will be used to process the database service in accordance with the licensors terms of service and/or privacy policy.
If any student chooses not to agree to the database licensor’s terms of service or privacy policy, the student will not be able to access and use the database. In these circumstances students should contact their lecturer to enquire about alternative arrangements that are available.

Distribution of grades policy

Academic Quality Assurance Committee monitors the performance of students, including attrition, further study and employment rates and grade distribution, and College reports on quality assurance processes for assessment activities, including alignment with national and international disciplinary and interdisciplinary standards, as well as qualification type learning outcomes.

Since first semester 1994, ANU uses a grading scale for all courses. This grading scale is used by all academic areas of the University.

Support for students

The University offers students support through several different services. You may contact the services listed below directly or seek advice from your Course Convener, Student Administrators, or your College and Course representatives (if applicable).

• ANU Health, safety & wellbeing for medical services, counselling, mental health and spiritual support
• ANU Accessibility for students with a disability or ongoing or chronic illness
• ANU Dean of Students for confidential, impartial advice and help to resolve problems between students and the academic or administrative areas of the University
• ANU Academic Skills supports you make your own decisions about how you learn and manage your workload.
• ANU Counselling promotes, supports and enhances mental health and wellbeing within the University student community.
• ANUSA supports and represents all ANU students