The legal and regulatory framework that governs the use of nuclear technologies and materials.
Atomic and Nuclear Physics: Basic principles of atomic and nuclear structure, including isotopes, radioactivity, and reaction mechanisms; as well as basic quantum mechanics and spectroscopy.
Nuclear Reactors: Types of nuclear reactors, their design, and operation; including fuel cycles, thermal-hydraulics, nuclear safety, and radiation protection.
Fuel Management: Nuclear fuel cycles, fuel fabrication, reprocessing, and waste management; as well as uranium enrichment, thorium fuel cycles, and nuclear fusion.
Radiation Detection and Measurement: Principles of radiation detection and measurement, including sources, types of radiation, detectors, and dosimeters.
Nuclear Safety and Risk Assessment: Principles of nuclear safety, risk assessment, evaluation criteria, and risk management; as well as emergency planning and response.
Nuclear Material Safeguards: Principles of nuclear material safeguards, including physical protection, inventory control, verification, and international safeguards agreements.
Regulatory Framework and Licensing: Overview of the legislative and regulatory framework governing nuclear energy, including national and international treaties, institutions, and regulations.
Environmental and Social Impacts: Assessment of the environmental and social impacts of nuclear energy, including waste disposal, land use, air and water quality, and social acceptance.
Nuclear Security: Principles of nuclear security, including the prevention, detection, and response to malicious acts, such as theft, sabotage, or terrorism.
Nuclear Economics: Economics of nuclear energy, including investment, financing, project management, and operating costs; as well as competition with other energy sources and market trends.
Nuclear Ethics: Ethical and social issues related to nuclear energy, including the responsibility of scientists and engineers, the precautionary principle, and the role of civil society.
Nuclear Waste Management: Principles of nuclear waste management, including classification, treatment, storage, and disposal; as well as regulatory requirements and public engagement.
Nuclear Decommissioning and Remediation: Principles of nuclear facility decommissioning, including planning, cost estimation, and risk management; as well as environmental remediation and restoration.
Advanced Nuclear Technologies: Overview of advanced nuclear technologies, such as small modular reactors, fusion energy, and nuclear-renewable hybrids; as well as the challenges and opportunities associated with their deployment.
Regulatory Standards: It is a set of rules and regulations that guide the nuclear industry on how to operate safely and securely. The regulatory standards aim to protect public health and safety, the environment, and safeguard nuclear materials.
Licensing and Permitting: The licensing and permitting regulations provide a framework for nuclear plant construction, operation, and decommissioning. The regulations cover the entire life cycle of nuclear plants, from planning to disposal and are designed to ensure that nuclear plants are operated safely and securely.
Inspection and Enforcement: Regulators inspect nuclear facilities regularly to ensure that they meet regulatory standards. If any non-compliance is found, the regulator enforces corrective measures and performs follow-up inspections to ensure that the corrective actions have been taken.
Emergency Preparedness: Nuclear emergencies can occur from natural disasters or human errors. The emergency preparedness regulations set out procedures to ensure that the public and the environment are protected in case of a nuclear emergency.
Radiological Protection: Radiological protection regulations govern the handling, use, disposal, and transportation of radioactive materials. The regulations aim to protect workers and the public from exposure to ionizing radiation.
International Standards: The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) develops international standards for nuclear safety, security, and other aspects of nuclear technology. These standards serve as a benchmark for national regulations, and countries can implement them as they see fit.
Stakeholder Engagement and Communication: Stakeholder engagement and communication involve a broad range of activities that facilitate interactions between nuclear regulators, the nuclear industry, and the public. Stakeholder engagement and communication aim to promote transparency, build trust, and enhance understanding about nuclear technologies and their regulation.