The Science topics in the course include the history of discovery, types of nuclear reactions, interactions between radiation and matter, the standard model of subatomic matter and current research. Although some math is used to provide better understanding of the concepts covered, math problems are not the primary focus of the course.

The Technology portion includes the design and function of particle detectors, particle accelerators, nuclear reactors, nuclear bombs and nuclear waste facilities. Current and future uses of radiation in industry and medicine are also investigated.

The Society portion of the course is the one where many students concentrate their efforts. The weekly discussions on controversial nuclear topics are always interesting. They provide opportunities to look back at the politics behind weapons development and use, the cold war, nuclear proliferation and the atomic energy industry. Discussions during the course will include topics that have made recent headlines; such as food irradiation, nuclear reactors in space, Radon mitigation, the demise of the Super-Conducting Super-Collider, the theft of nuclear secrets and nuclear test ban treaties.



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