Nuclear Engineering, MEng

General information

The Master of Engineering (MEng) in Nuclear Engineering graduate program encompasses the nuclear power industry from fuel manufacture to radioactive waste disposal, and the many and varied applications of radiation in industrial and medical disciplines with a strong emphasis on health physics. Typical workplace activities include fundamental and applied research, design and development of new equipment, systems and procedures, maintenance and modifications, commissioning and decommissioning of equipment and complete facilities, operation, analysis and regulatory affairs.

The MEng in Nuclear Engineering is comprised of the following two fields:

• Nuclear Power
• Radiological and Health Physics

Graduates of a master’s level degree program in Nuclear Engineering must be competent in a wide range of disciplines that impinge on the safe and reliable operation of the many and varied systems that comprise radiological equipment, nuclear power plants and related facilities. They must understand the complex interrelationships between humans, non-human biota and the physical, chemical, economic and social components of the environment. The program provides the depth and breadth of knowledge necessary for practicing professionals in nuclear engineering.

Students in the MEng program have the opportunity to upgrade and expand their skills, as well as to develop research skills. Graduates of the program will be able to use what they have learned in a variety of applications in industry, government and academia. This program of study may be course-based or project-based.

A current list of graduate faculty is available on the Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science website.

Admission requirements

In addition to the general admission requirements for graduate studies , applicants must meet the following program-specific requirements:

• Completion of a four-year honours undergraduate science or engineering degree from a Canadian university, or its equivalent from a recognized institution.
• Cumulative grade point average of at least a B (GPA: 3.0 on a 4.3 scale), with a minimum B in the last two years (four semesters) of full-time undergraduate work or equivalent.

Part-time studies

To facilitate access to all potential students, part-time studies are permitted. In particular, engineers in industry may wish to pursue the MEng program through part-time studies.

Degree requirements

The objective of the MEng program is to provide the opportunity for engineers in industry to upgrade and expand their skills, including developing research skills. Graduates of the program will be able to use what they have learned in a variety of applications in industry, government and academia. All MEng students are required to engage in research activities as part of projects in many of the courses.

For the course-based option, students must complete 10 courses worth a total of 30 credits.

For the graduate research project option, students must complete seven courses worth a total of 21 credits and a graduate research project worth nine credits. Under the supervision of a faculty member, students have the opportunity to integrate and synthesize knowledge gained throughout their program of study. The chosen topic is dependent on the area of specialization of the student, using resources normally available on campus. Students are required to write a report and give a presentation on their completed project.

Students in the industrial research project option must complete eight courses (24 credits) and an industrial project worth six credits. Students enrolled part-time in this program option may designate a period of approximately four months in an industrial laboratory to carry out an industry-oriented project under the supervision of a suitably qualified staff engineer or scientist, as well as a university co-supervisor. The faculty works with the students and their employers to arrange suitable projects. A satisfactory project topic and appropriate arrangements are required for the project to be approved by the faculty. However, in some cases, it is possible that this may not be feasible. Upon completion, students are expected to submit a substantial report and conduct a presentation about the project at the university. The industrial research project can only be undertaken after at least half the required courses have been completed.

Additional requirements

Students may take no more than one third of their courses from the undergraduate courses listed or other 4000-level courses specifically approved by the graduate program director, provided the students did not take similar courses during their undergraduate degree programs.

Students must take at least half of their graduate courses from the list of NUCL 5000-level graduate courses. Courses that are not listed but offered by other faculties at the university can only be taken for credit if first approved by the graduate program director. Courses offered by other universities can only be taken for credit if approved by the graduate program director.

Courses are offered on the basis of demand with the expectation that courses will be offered at a minimum of once every two years.

Course listing

Program learning outcomes

The following outcomes outline the knowledge and skills students will have achieved upon completion of the program.