The Department of Materials Science & Engineering is excited to announce two new Micro-Credentials in Nuclear Fundamentals, aimed to help working professionals in industry develop a comprehensive understanding of the field – covering science and engineering of atomic-nuclear energy, materials and systems – by experts from academia and industry.
These graduate-level courses are open to industry professionals as well as other interested students from within the Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering and the Faculty of Arts & Science. Interested students are expected to have requisite background in mathematics, physics, chemistry and materials science at the undergraduate level, which underpin the learnings of the two courses.
The courses are offered in-person for optimal learning. However, the course delivery is also facilitated on-line – synchronously and asynchronously.
Each course entails ~40 hours of contact time commensurate with ~120 hours of homework, spanning over a period of ~14 weeks.
Candidates successfully (minimum grade of B– (70%)) completing the micro-credential course(s) (one or both) will receive from the department an accrediting certificate.
These micro-credentials are a part of the Atomic Energy Materials and Systems (AEMS) Cluster, a new initiative by the department that will bring together research, teaching, and innovation in nuclear energy, advanced materials, systems and sustainability – thus encompassing the multidisciplinary nature of the nuclear field.
Course Description
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, helping students develop careers in nuclear energy, advanced materials, healthcare, research, and sustainable energy systems.
These micro-credentials equip students with fundamental knowledge, applied skills, and exposure to emerging technologies, including small modular reactors, fusion, nuclear robotics-AI, nuclear-enabled sustainability, and non-energy applications of nuclear. These courses also provide a real operational perspective, including industry practices and regulatory codes.
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 Structural 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 insights into nuclear systems, participate in site visits or/and local workshops, and interact with industry experts and researchers, preparing them for careers in nuclear energy, healthcare, and advanced materials sectors.
Course Fees
Industry Professionals: $895 (proof of graduate degree required)
Recent Graduates (within 2 years): $595
UofT Graduates (within 2 years): $495
Certification
Participants will receive an accrediting certificate from the department upon completion of the course.
Registration
Registration will open September 2nd and close September 9th.
Enrollment is limited.
If you have any questions, please contact: Sherry Esfahani (mse.external@utoronto.ca).
The Nuclear Industry in Canada (and globally) – foundational to both energy and non-energy applications – underpins our economy and standard of living.
Don't miss this opportunity to learn about this most strategic sector!