Since the USSR's first nuclear-powered plant went online 61 years ago, nuclear energy has powered at least some part of the world's electrical grid. Today, nuclear energy also powers ships and submarines at sea, and has applications for medical technology, such as in the fight against cancer.
Nuclear engineering specifically concerns itself with nuclear fission and fusion and the systems used to control these reactions. Other areas of interest within nuclear engineering include nuclear safety and radioactive waste disposal.
UMass Lowell offers BS, MS, and PhD degrees in nuclear engineering within the chemical engineering department. The ABET-accredited curricula allow students to chose from a traditional nuclear engineering program or the radiological sciences option, and class and lab work on campus is enhanced with use of the UMass Lowell Nuclear Reactor.
Office of Nuclear Energy (US DOE)
Nuclear Engineering and Design (an International Journal)
Courses in Nuclear Science and Engineering (MIT OpenCourseWare)
Bureau of Labor Statistics: Nuclear Engineers
Progress in Nuclear Energy (Journal)
Annals of Nuclear Energy (Journal)
US Nuclear Regulatory Commission
World Nuclear News (Emphasis on Policy and Industry)
International Atomic Energy Agency (Publications site)
