New Graduate Course: Fundamentals of Atomic Energy Materials Systems & Sustainability I & II
New Graduate Courses: MSE 1074 & 1075 – Fundamentals of Atomic Energy Materials Systems and Sustainability I & II
The Department of Materials Science & Engineering is excited to announce two new graduate-level courses, forming the foundation of the soon-to-launch MEng Nuclear Engineering Emphasis and a key part of the Atomic Energy Materials and Systems (AEMS) Cluster, a new initiative in the department that will bring together research, teaching, and innovation in nuclear energy and advanced materials.
MSE 1074F – AEMSS Fundamentals I (Fall 2025) and MSE 1075S – AEMSS Fundamentals II (Winter 2026) provide a comprehensive introduction to nuclear science, engineering, and technology, preparing students for careers in nuclear energy, advanced materials, healthcare, research, and sustainable energy systems. Together, these courses equip students with fundamental knowledge, applied skills, and exposure to emerging technologies, including small modular reactors, fusion, nuclear robotics-AI, and nuclear-enabled sustainability. These courses also provide a real operational perspective, including industry practices and regulatory codes.
Both courses are open to MEng, MASc, and PhD students enrolled in Materials Science & Engineering.
Lecture Schedule & Instructors
By the end of the course, participants will gain:
- A comprehensive overview of the fundamentals of nuclear science, engineering and technology.
- Knowledge of nuclear physics, nuclear materials, radiation and health physics, radioisotopes and nuclear medicine.
- Familiarity with engineering science of nuclear corrosion chemistry, nuclear structural requirements, thermal hydraulics & power generation, non-destructive testing & evaluation, regulatory codes & standards.
- Awareness of leading-edge developments including advanced materials & manufacturing for next-generation nuclear systems, small modular reactors, fusion, robotics & AI
Course Dates & Structure
- MSE 1074F – Fundamentals I: Wednesdays, 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Instructors: Prof. Nazir Kherani (UofT, MSE), Prof. Jim Davis (UofT, UTIAS), Prof. Yu Zou (UofT, MSE), Prof. Jane Howe (UofT, MSE), Prof. Ibrahim Ogunsanya (UofT, CIV), Prof. Nick van den Brekel (Technical Director, Kinectrics), Prof. Sriram Suryanarayan (Director of Innovation, Kinectrics) - MSE 1075S – Fundamentals II: Day TBD, 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Instructors: TBD
Course Themes
MSE 1074F – AEMSS Fundamentals I (Fall 2025)
- Atomic/Nuclear Physics, Nuclear Fuel Materials, Sustainability
- Radiation Detection, Safety, and Health Physics
- Radioisotopes, Nuclear Medicine & Allied Applications
- Nuclear Reactor Physics & Regulatory Codes
- Advanced Materials & Manufacturing for Next-Generation Nuclear Systems
- Fusion and Small Modular Reactors
MSE 1075S – AEMSS Fundamentals II (Winter 2026)
- Atomic-Nuclear Physics, Nuclear Materials, and Nuclear Reactor Physics
- Nuclear Thermal Hydraulics and Power Generation Systems
- Nuclear Corrosion Chemistry, Materials Degradation Mechanisms, and Fitness-for-Service
- Nuclear Civil Structural, Performance and Functional Requirements
- Non-Destructive Testing & Evaluation
- Nuclear Systems, Operations, Robotics, and AI
Why Enroll?
These courses provide a robust technical foundation and insight into real-world nuclear systems, preparing students for careers in industry, research, government, and advanced nuclear technologies. Students gain knowledge that is directly applicable to nuclear energy, advanced manufacturing, medical applications, and sustainable technologies, while exploring cutting-edge tools like robotics and AI in nuclear systems.
Students will also gain hands-on insights into nuclear systems, participate in site visits – local workshops, and interact with industry experts and researchers, preparing them for careers in nuclear energy, healthcare, and advanced materials sectors.
Registration Note
MSE 1074F is now listed on ACORN and MSE1075S will be available in Winter 2026. These courses represent the first offerings of the AEMS Cluster’s graduate curriculum. Graduate students are encouraged to monitor ACORN for registration availability.