Basic Nuclear Science Courses
Basic Nuclear and Atomic Physics
Course Difficulty: 
Course Category: Basic Nuclear Science
Average time to complete: 2 hours
Cost: Free
Module Description: This module covers the basics of nuclear and atomic physics.
Prerequisites: Students taking this module should have a working knowledge of basic algebra.
Learning Objectives: Students completing this module should be able to describe the structure of the atom, the constituents of the nucleus, and different types of radiation. The student should be able to give definitions of basic nuclear physics terms and units of measure. The student should be able to use a periodic table and chart of the nuclides to identify specific isotopes and elements and their properties. The student should be able to explain the interactions of radiation with matter and the physics of nuclear fission. The student should be able to complete simple calculations using energy and mass relationships, atomic density, and radioactive decay.
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Intro to the Nuclear Fuel Cycle
Course Difficulty:
Course Category: Basic Nuclear Science
Average time to complete: 4 hours
Cost: Free
Module Description: In this module, students will be introduced to the basic nuclear fuel cycle including the different processes involved and the basic physics of the fundamental components.
Prerequisites: Students taking this module should have a working knowledge of basic algebra and a basic understanding of physics and chemistry.
Learning Objectives: Students completing this module should be able to describe all of the steps in military and civilian nuclear fuel cycles and be able to perform basic analysis of known fuel cycles. Students should be able to describe how fuel cycle facilities operate and the materials used and produced by those facilities.
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Basic Radiation Detection
Course Difficulty:
Course Category: Basic Nuclear Science
Average time to complete: 5 hours
Cost: Free
Module Description: This is a beginner’s module to basic radiation detection. It covers the physical mechanisms behind the detection of gamma and neutron radiation and the different detectors used.
Prerequisites: Students taking this module should have a working knowledge of basic algebra and have completed the Introduction to Statistics and the Basic Nuclear and Atomic Physics NSSEP modules.
Learning Objectives: Students completing this module should be able to describe the physical mechanisms for detection of gamma and neutron radiation. They should also be able to identify and explain the general operation of gas-filled, scintillation, and semiconductor detectors.
Note: To enroll in the courses, you must use either Chrome or Safari. The enrollment form does not work in Edge, Internet Explorer, or Firefox.
Introduction to Statistics
Course Difficulty:
Course Category: Basic Nuclear Science
Average time to complete: 1 hour
Cost: Free
Module Description: In this module we will cover some of the basic concepts in statistics applied to measurements and derived quantities.
Prerequisites: Students taking this module should have a working knowledge of basic algebra and calculus.
Learning Objectives: Students completing this module should be able to: Characterize a measured dataset using a mean and a standard deviation; Explain how probability distributions relate to measured datasets and how they can be used to estimate the likelihood that a measurement will fall within a certain interval of a mean value; Describe the difference between systematic and random uncertainties and how this relates to accuracy and precision; and Use propagation of variance to estimate the uncertainties to derived quantities.
Note: To enroll in the courses, you must use either Chrome or Safari. The enrollment form does not work in Edge, Internet Explorer, or Firefox.
Other Courses
Nuclear Security Courses
Learn the fundamentals of nuclear security threats, including terrorism risks, adversary motivations, radiological threats, and protection strategies for nuclear materials and facilities. This free introductory course helps learners understand how global security organizations assess and respond to potential nuclear and radiological dangers.
Nuclear Safeguards Courses
Explore free, self-paced courses covering key nuclear safeguards topics such as containment and surveillance, nuclear material accountancy, spent fuel safeguards, and uranium enrichment monitoring. Designed for students and professionals, these modules provide practical insight into how nuclear materials and facilities are monitored, protected, and verified to support global nonproliferation efforts.