The Institute for Nuclear Security (INS) offers a wide range of academic courses through the Department of Nuclear Engineering at the University of Tennessee. These courses are designed to prepare students for successful careers within the nuclear security enterprise. Course content is reviewed annually to ensure relevance to emerging threats, global policy shifts, and technological advances.
NE 530 – Nuclear Security Science and Analysis
Explore the evolution of nuclear threats and strategies for detection and prevention. This course addresses both state-level concerns (e.g., nonproliferation and deterrence) and asymmetric threats (e.g., nuclear terrorism, smuggling). Includes hands-on exercises in applied nuclear security scenarios.
Graduate-level version of NE 430; includes additional assignments and expectations.
NE 531 – Global Nuclear Security Culture
Covers the principles and best practices of nuclear Security, Safety, and Safeguards (3S) culture, with a focus on developing and expanding nuclear energy programs. Students are introduced to international agreements such as the Nonproliferation Treaty (NPT) and the role of the IAEA.
NE 533 – Physical Security for High-Consequence Facilities
Introduces students to the engineering and design of physical security systems. Topics include:
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Detection, delay, and response strategies
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Risk assessment and security system evaluation
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Site and facility surveys
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Legal frameworks for physical protection
NE 534 – Physical Security Vulnerability Assessment
Focuses on evaluating nuclear and critical infrastructure against credible threats. Students will:
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Conduct field surveys and interviews
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Collect and analyze open-source data
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Perform quantitative assessments of physical protection systems
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Develop predictive models of system effectiveness
NE 515 – Introduction to Radiochemistry
Foundational course covering:
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Radioactive decay principles
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Radiochemical separations and measurement techniques
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Isotope production
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Applications in medicine, environmental monitoring, and industry
NE 536 – Export Control and Nonproliferation
Examines the global regulatory frameworks that govern the transfer of sensitive nuclear technology. Key topics:
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U.S. and EU export control laws
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International agreements and enforcement mechanisms
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Best practices from organizations like the IAEA and Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG)
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Real-world case studies of proliferation and violations
NE 635 – Nuclear Forensics
Covers the science and applications of nuclear forensics, including:
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Isotopic signature analysis
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Radiochemical separation and detection methods
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Post-detonation debris assessment
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Use of mass spectrometry and nuclear counting
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Crisis response and interdiction case studies