IA2

Engineering Tripos Part IIB, 4I1: Strategic Valuation, 2024-25

Module Leader

Lecturer

Lab Leader

Timing and Structure

Christmas vacation - dates below; Assessment: Coursework 100% in project combining spreadsheet modelling, written analysis and a management-style report - details TBA. You may conduct some Excel modelling with fellow students. Michaelmas/Lent Term break.

Prerequisites

All participants are expected to be familiar with probability and statistics at the level of a final year high school or introductory undergraduate course. See the prerequisites document on the course website for details. Participants are also expected to be familiar with basic Excel spreadsheet modelling (see e.g., http://best-excel-tutorial.com/54-basics for a tutorial). The basic Excel functions and tasks that you must know how to use competently are: MAX, AVERAGE, COUNT, IF, SUMPRODUCT; mathematical formulas based on relative and absolute references; creating simple tables; and plotting pie, bar, column and line charts.

Aims

The aims of the course are to:

See below.

Objectives

As specific objectives, by the end of the course students should be able to:

See below.

Content

There will be an introduction session of the course in October 2024.

Module Time: 3 full days (9.00am – 5.00pm) on 9^th, 11^th, and 13^th December 2024.
Reserve 9^th – 16^th December 2024 for TPE25 ONLY.
Reserve 14^th and 15^th December 2024 to conduct part I of the course assessment.
Reserve a compulsory Q&A session for the course assessment on 16^th December 2024.
It is necessary for you to have a Window-based or MacOS laptop for Excel modelling. There is a possibility that students use computers in the computer lab. If you do not have a laptop, be prepared to stay in Cambridge for a few more days after 16^th December 2024 so that you can conduct Excel modelling in relation to your course assessment in the CJBS Computer Lab – subject to the availability of the lab.
The level of mathematical theory may be below the expectation of some CUED students.

This module introduces students to two essential and complementary ways of dealing with future uncertainties. On one hand, we have diversification, the notion that you should "not put all your eggs in one basket", is both intuitive and ubiquitous in modern management. This exemplifies passive risk management. On the other, we have the real options paradigm. This emphasises that future value depends both on unfolding uncertainties, which you cannot control, and the flexibility of your future responses. By investing in research and development projects, for example, companies buy the option to launch a product, which they may or may not exercise, depending on the level of success of the R and D effort and on market conditions at the time of launch. However, flexibility also costs money: R and D expenditure, for example in the biotech industry, can be huge. So how much flexibility shall we build into the system? This is the realm of project design for active risk management. System designers and project managers need tools that help them decide if added flexibility is worth the money. This course provides the students with a mindset and a suite of tools to tackle such problems.

The emphasis is on management and design of technological projects. Examples and case studies will illustrate how theory can be adapted to actual conditions.

Please note that the number of places available to Part IIB Engineers is limited. A ballot will be held if the module looks likely to be oversubscribed. The ballot will take place on the first day of lectures, after which the Teaching Office will be in touch with any unsuccessful applicants to ask them to select another module.

Day 1: Foundations

Course aims and objectives
Review of traditional project valuation
System value is a shape, not a number
Monte Carlo Simulation
(Valuing flexibility)

Preparatory reading:

de Neufville, R. and Scholtes, S. (2011), Ch 2: "Recognition of Uncertainty".
If you have not seen Net Present Value (NPV) or Discounted Cash Flows before, read Brealey and Meyers, Ch. 2: ‘Present values’.

Day 2: Portfolio Thinking

Diversification
Hedging
Trading off risk against return

Preparatory reading:

www.moneychimp.com/articles/risk/riskintro.htm, first five sections (short!) from ‘MPT Introduction’ to ‘Build a Portfolio’.
Optionally, Brealey and Meyers, Ch. 9: ‘Risk’ [For 8^th edition, use Ch. 8]

Day 3: Real Options Analysis

Flexibility: Intuition behind real options
Lattice valuations

Preparatory reading:

Brealey and Meyers, Ch. 10: ‘Project Analysis’, Ch. 20: ‘Understanding Options’ [For the 9^th edition, use Ch. 11, Ch. 21]
de Neufville and Scholtes (2011), Ch. I: ‘High Level Overview’ (pp. 1-39)

Further notes

Required software

The basic modelling tool will be Microsoft Excel. Essential add-ins include Analysis ToolPak and Solver, both of which come with Excel but may require the Excel installation disks, and @Risk, which will be distributed to you.

Coursework

Coursework	Format	Due date & marks
100% individual project combining spreadsheet modelling, written analysis and a management-style report. The coursework consists of two parts: Task I (65%-70%) and Task II (30%-35%). Task I contains a number of subtasks, in which students are asked to conduct intensive Excel modelling, to answer questions, to provide analysis, and to give intuitive business interpretations. Task II is a short presentation and is assessed by a set of criteria: intuition (business implication), prioritising information (structure), clarity and use of visual aids such as charts and graphs, and language.	Individually Assessed Answer Sheet, Presentation Document and Excel Files Anonymously marked	The coursework will be carried out during Michaelmas/Lent term break and will be submitted right before the beginning of the Lent term in January 2025. Marks will be available in three-four weeks after the submission date.

Format

Due date

& marks

100% individual project combining spreadsheet modelling, written analysis and a management-style report. The coursework consists of two parts: Task I (65%-70%) and Task II (30%-35%).

Task I contains a number of subtasks, in which students are asked to conduct intensive Excel modelling, to answer questions, to provide analysis, and to give intuitive business interpretations.

Task II is a short presentation and is assessed by a set of criteria: intuition (business implication), prioritising information (structure), clarity and use of visual aids such as charts and graphs, and language.

Individually Assessed

Answer Sheet, Presentation Document and Excel Files

Anonymously marked

The coursework will be carried out during Michaelmas/Lent term break and will be submitted right before the beginning of the Lent term in January 2025.

Marks will be available in three-four weeks after the submission date.

Booklists

Please refer to the Booklist for Part IIB Courses for references to this module, this can be found on the associated Moodle course.

Module Webpage

To be advised: https://www.vle.cam.ac.uk

TPE25 Strategic Valuation

Reference Books

The following are available in multiple copies in the Judge Business School Information Centre:

de Neufville, R. and Scholtes, S. (2011)	Flexibility in Engineering Design. Cambridge, MA: MIT Press	E-book: https://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/CAM/detail.action?pq-origsite=prim... Printed book at: TA174.D46 2011
Brealey, R. A, Myers, S. C. and Allen, F. (2019) or Brealey, R. A, Myers, S. C. and Allen, F. (2008)	Principles of Corporate Finance. 13^th ed. Boston, Mass.: Irwin McGraw Hill 9^th ed. N.B. For Brealey and Myers, any edition from 6^th ed. onwards is fine.	Printed books at: HG4026.B73 P7 2011 E-book: https://www.vlebooks.com/Vleweb/Product/Index/1993343?page=0 HG4026.B73 P7 2008
Savage, S. L. (2003)	Decision Making with Insight. Belmont, CA: Brooks/Cole	Printed book at: HF5548.4.S38 2003
Luenberger, D. G. (1998)	Investment Science. Oxford: Oxford University Press	Printed book at: HG4515.2.L83

Examination Guidelines

Please refer to Form & conduct of the examinations.

UK-SPEC

This syllabus contributes to the following areas of the UK-SPEC standard:

Toggle display of UK-SPEC areas.

GT1

Develop transferable skills that will be of value in a wide range of situations. These are exemplified by the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority Higher Level Key Skills and include problem solving, communication, and working with others, as well as the effective use of general IT facilities and information retrieval skills. They also include planning self-learning and improving performance, as the foundation for lifelong learning/CPD.

IA1

Apply appropriate quantitative science and engineering tools to the analysis of problems.

Demonstrate creative and innovative ability in the synthesis of solutions and in formulating designs.

KU1

Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of essential facts, concepts, theories and principles of their engineering discipline, and its underpinning science and mathematics.

KU2

Have an appreciation of the wider multidisciplinary engineering context and its underlying principles.

S1

The ability to make general evaluations of commercial risks through some understanding of the basis of such risks.

S2

Extensive knowledge and understanding of management and business practices, and their limitations, and how these may be applied appropriately to strategic and tactical issues.

E1

Ability to use fundamental knowledge to investigate new and emerging technologies.

E3

Ability to apply mathematical and computer based models for solving problems in engineering, and the ability to assess the limitations of particular cases.

P3

Understanding of contexts in which engineering knowledge can be applied (e.g. operations and management, technology, development, etc).

P8

Ability to apply engineering techniques taking account of a range of commercial and industrial constraints.

US1

A comprehensive understanding of the scientific principles of own specialisation and related disciplines.

US3

An understanding of concepts from a range of areas including some outside engineering, and the ability to apply them effectively in engineering projects.

Last modified: 26/09/2024 18:28

Engineering Tripos Part IIB, 4I1: Strategic Valuation, 2023-24

Timing and Structure

Prerequisites

Aims

The aims of the course are to:

See below.

Objectives

As specific objectives, by the end of the course students should be able to:

See below.

Content

There will be an introduction session of the course on 6th October 2023.

Module Time: 3 full days (9.00am – 5.00pm) on 4^th, 6^th, and 8^th December 2023.
Reserve 4^th – 11^th December 2023 for TPE25 ONLY.
Reserve 9^th and 10^th December 2023 for conducting part I of the course assessment.
Reserve a compulsory Q&A session for the course assessment on 11^th December 2023.
It is necessary for you to have a Window-based or MacOS laptop for Excel modelling. There is a possibility that students use computers in the computer lab. If you do not have a laptop, be prepared to stay in Cambridge for a few more days after 11^th December 2023 so that you can conduct Excel modelling in relation to your course assessment in the CJBS Computer Lab – subject to the availability of the lab.
The level of mathematical theory may be below the expectation of some CUED students.

The emphasis is on management and design of technological projects. Examples and case studies will illustrate how theory can be adapted to actual conditions.

Day 1: Foundations

Course aims and objectives
Review of traditional project valuation
System value is a shape, not a number
Monte Carlo Simulation
(Valuing flexibility)

Preparatory reading:

de Neufville, R. and Scholtes, S. (2011), Ch 2: "Recognition of Uncertainty".
If you have not seen Net Present Value (NPV) or Discounted Cash Flows before, read Brealey and Meyers, Ch. 2: ‘Present values’.

Day 2: Portfolio Thinking

Diversification
Hedging
Trading off risk against return

Preparatory reading:

www.moneychimp.com/articles/risk/riskintro.htm, first five sections (short!) from ‘MPT Introduction’ to ‘Build a Portfolio’.
Optionally, Brealey and Meyers, Ch. 9: ‘Risk’ [For 8^th edition, use Ch. 8]

Day 3: Real Options Analysis

Flexibility: Intuition behind real options
Lattice valuations

Preparatory reading:

Brealey and Meyers, Ch. 10: ‘Project Analysis’, Ch. 20: ‘Understanding Options’ [For the 9^th edition, use Ch. 11, Ch. 21]
de Neufville and Scholtes (2011), Ch. I: ‘High Level Overview’ (pp. 1-39)

Further notes

Required software

Coursework

Coursework	Format	Due date & marks
100% individual project combining spreadsheet modelling, written analysis and a management-style report. The coursework consists of two parts: Task I (65%-70%) and Task II (30%-35%). Task I contains a number of subtasks, in which students are asked to conduct intensive Excel modelling, to answer questions, to provide analysis, and to give intuitive business interpretations. Task II is a short presentation and is assessed by a set of criteria: intuition (business implication), prioritising information (structure), clarity and use of visual aids such as charts and graphs, and language.	Individually Assessed Answer Sheet, Presentation Document and Excel Files Anonymously marked	The coursework will be carried out during Michaelmas/Lent term break and will be submitted right before the beginning of the Lent term in January 2024. Marks will be available in three-four weeks after the submission date.

Format

Due date

& marks

100% individual project combining spreadsheet modelling, written analysis and a management-style report. The coursework consists of two parts: Task I (65%-70%) and Task II (30%-35%).

Task I contains a number of subtasks, in which students are asked to conduct intensive Excel modelling, to answer questions, to provide analysis, and to give intuitive business interpretations.

Individually Assessed

Answer Sheet, Presentation Document and Excel Files

Anonymously marked

The coursework will be carried out during Michaelmas/Lent term break and will be submitted right before the beginning of the Lent term in January 2024.

Marks will be available in three-four weeks after the submission date.

Booklists

Please refer to the Booklist for Part IIB Courses for references to this module, this can be found on the associated Moodle course.

Module Webpage

To be advised: https://www.vle.cam.ac.uk

TPE25 Strategic Valuation

Reference Books

The following are available in multiple copies in the Judge Business School Information Centre:

de Neufville, R. and Scholtes, S. (2011)	Flexibility in Engineering Design. Cambridge, MA: MIT Press	E-book: https://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/CAM/detail.action?pq-origsite=prim... Printed book at: TA174.D46 2011
Brealey, R. A, Myers, S. C. and Allen, F. (2019) or Brealey, R. A, Myers, S. C. and Allen, F. (2008)	Principles of Corporate Finance. 13^th ed. Boston, Mass.: Irwin McGraw Hill 9^th ed. N.B. For Brealey and Myers, any edition from 6^th ed. onwards is fine.	Printed books at: HG4026.B73 P7 2011 E-book: https://www.vlebooks.com/Vleweb/Product/Index/1993343?page=0 HG4026.B73 P7 2008
Savage, S. L. (2003)	Decision Making with Insight. Belmont, CA: Brooks/Cole	Printed book at: HF5548.4.S38 2003
Luenberger, D. G. (1998)	Investment Science. Oxford: Oxford University Press	Printed book at: HG4515.2.L83

Examination Guidelines

Please refer to Form & conduct of the examinations.

UK-SPEC

This syllabus contributes to the following areas of the UK-SPEC standard:

Toggle display of UK-SPEC areas.

GT1

IA1

Apply appropriate quantitative science and engineering tools to the analysis of problems.

IA2

Demonstrate creative and innovative ability in the synthesis of solutions and in formulating designs.

KU1

Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of essential facts, concepts, theories and principles of their engineering discipline, and its underpinning science and mathematics.

KU2

Have an appreciation of the wider multidisciplinary engineering context and its underlying principles.

S1

The ability to make general evaluations of commercial risks through some understanding of the basis of such risks.

S2

Extensive knowledge and understanding of management and business practices, and their limitations, and how these may be applied appropriately to strategic and tactical issues.

E1

Ability to use fundamental knowledge to investigate new and emerging technologies.

E3

Ability to apply mathematical and computer based models for solving problems in engineering, and the ability to assess the limitations of particular cases.

P3

Understanding of contexts in which engineering knowledge can be applied (e.g. operations and management, technology, development, etc).

P8

Ability to apply engineering techniques taking account of a range of commercial and industrial constraints.

US1

A comprehensive understanding of the scientific principles of own specialisation and related disciplines.

US3

An understanding of concepts from a range of areas including some outside engineering, and the ability to apply them effectively in engineering projects.

Last modified: 14/08/2023 11:37

Engineering Tripos Part IIB, 4M16: Nuclear Power Engineering (shared with IIA), 2017-18

Module Leader

Dr G Parks

Lecturers

Dr G T Parks and Mr R L Skelton

Timing and Structure

Lent term. 12 lectures + 2 examples classes + 2 laboratory demonstrations. Assessment: 100% exam

Aims

The aims of the course are to:

give the student an introduction to and appreciation of nuclear power engineering and the UK nuclear industry

Objectives

As specific objectives, by the end of the course students should be able to:

appreciate the nature of neutron-nucleus interactions
classify ionising radiation by physical nature and health hazard
conduct safely a simple experiment involving radiation
understand the principles of radiation detection and shielding
understand the principles of operation of UK nuclear reactors
apply elementary models of neutron behaviour in reactors
compute simple power distributions in reactors
compute simple temperature distributions in reactors and appreciate their consequences
appreciate the significance of delayed neutrons and xenon-135 to the control and operation of reactors
appreciate the advantages and disadvantages of on-load and off-load refuelling
perform simple calculations to predict the refuelling requirements of reactors
explain the operation of enrichment plant
appreciate the problems of radioactive waste management
appreciate the range of activities of the UK nuclear industry

Content

This module aims to give the student an introduction to and appreciation of nuclear power engineering and the UK nuclear industry, particularly the technology used in the production of electricity in nuclear power stations, the preparation and subsequent treatment of the fuel and its by-products, and the detection of ionising radiation and the protection of workers within the nuclear industry and the general public from it.

Basic Principles and Health Physics (2L, Dr E Shwageraus)

Principles of nuclear reactions;
Radioactivity and the effects of ionising radiation;
Introduction to health physics and shielding.

Reactor Physics (3L, Dr G T Parks)

The fission chain process;
Interactions of neutrons with matter;
Models for neutron distributions in space and energy.

Reactor Design & Operation (4L, Dr G T Parks)

Simple reactor design;
Heat transfer and temperature distributions in commercial reactors;
Time dependent aspects of reactor operations; delayed neutrons and xenon poisoning;
In-core and out-of-core fuel cycles.

Fuel Processing (3L, Mr R L Skelton)

Enrichment and reprocessing;
The containment and disposal of radioactive wastes.

LABORATORY DEMONSTRATIONS

Demonstration of the use of Geiger-Muller and scintillation counters for detecting ionising radiation (1 hour in-lecture time).

Demonstration of the detection and shielding of fast and thermal neutrons using a 37 GBq Americium-Beryllium source (1 hour in-lecture time).

Booklists

Please see the Booklist for Group M Courses for references for this module.

Examination Guidelines

Please refer to Form & conduct of the examinations.

UK-SPEC

This syllabus contributes to the following areas of the UK-SPEC standard:

Toggle display of UK-SPEC areas.

GT1

IA1

Apply appropriate quantitative science and engineering tools to the analysis of problems.

IA2

Demonstrate creative and innovative ability in the synthesis of solutions and in formulating designs.

KU1

Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of essential facts, concepts, theories and principles of their engineering discipline, and its underpinning science and mathematics.

KU2

Have an appreciation of the wider multidisciplinary engineering context and its underlying principles.

S1

The ability to make general evaluations of commercial risks through some understanding of the basis of such risks.

S4

Awareness of the framework of relevant legal requirements governing engineering activities, including personnel, health, safety, and risk (including environmental risk) issues.

E1

Ability to use fundamental knowledge to investigate new and emerging technologies.

E2

Ability to extract data pertinent to an unfamiliar problem, and apply its solution using computer based engineering tools when appropriate.

E3

Ability to apply mathematical and computer based models for solving problems in engineering, and the ability to assess the limitations of particular cases.

P1

A thorough understanding of current practice and its limitations and some appreciation of likely new developments.

P3

Understanding of contexts in which engineering knowledge can be applied (e.g. operations and management, technology, development, etc).

US1

A comprehensive understanding of the scientific principles of own specialisation and related disciplines.

US3

An understanding of concepts from a range of areas including some outside engineering, and the ability to apply them effectively in engineering projects.

Last modified: 31/05/2017 09:12

Engineering Tripos Part IIB, 4M16: Nuclear Power Engineering (shared with IIA), 2019-20

Module Leader

Dr G T Parks

Lecturers

Dr G T Parks, Dr E Shwageraus and Mr R L Skelton

Timing and Structure

Lent term. 12 lectures + 2 examples classes + 2 laboratory demonstrations. Assessment: 100% exam

Aims

The aims of the course are to:

give the student an introduction to and appreciation of nuclear power engineering and the UK nuclear industry

Objectives

As specific objectives, by the end of the course students should be able to:

appreciate the nature of neutron-nucleus interactions
classify ionising radiation by physical nature and health hazard
conduct safely a simple experiment involving radiation
understand the principles of radiation detection and shielding
understand the principles of operation of UK nuclear reactors
apply elementary models of neutron behaviour in reactors
compute simple power distributions in reactors
compute simple temperature distributions in reactors and appreciate their consequences
appreciate the significance of delayed neutrons and xenon-135 to the control and operation of reactors
appreciate the advantages and disadvantages of on-load and off-load refuelling
perform simple calculations to predict the refuelling requirements of reactors
explain the operation of enrichment plant
appreciate the problems of radioactive waste management
appreciate the range of activities of the UK nuclear industry

Content

Basic Principles and Health Physics (2L, Dr E Shwageraus)

Principles of nuclear reactions;
Radioactivity and the effects of ionising radiation;
Introduction to health physics and shielding.

Reactor Physics (3L, Dr G T Parks)

The fission chain process;
Interactions of neutrons with matter;
Models for neutron distributions in space and energy.

Reactor Design & Operation (4L, Dr G T Parks)

Simple reactor design;
Heat transfer and temperature distributions in commercial reactors;
Time dependent aspects of reactor operations; delayed neutrons and xenon poisoning;
In-core and out-of-core fuel cycles.

Fuel Processing (3L, Mr R L Skelton)

Enrichment and reprocessing;
The containment and disposal of radioactive wastes.

LABORATORY DEMONSTRATIONS

Demonstration of the use of Geiger-Muller and scintillation counters for detecting ionising radiation (1 hour in-lecture time).

Demonstration of the detection and shielding of fast and thermal neutrons using a 37 GBq Americium-Beryllium source (1 hour in-lecture time).

Booklists

Please see the Booklist for Group M Courses for references for this module.

Examination Guidelines

Please refer to Form & conduct of the examinations.

UK-SPEC

This syllabus contributes to the following areas of the UK-SPEC standard:

Toggle display of UK-SPEC areas.

GT1

IA1

Apply appropriate quantitative science and engineering tools to the analysis of problems.

IA2

Demonstrate creative and innovative ability in the synthesis of solutions and in formulating designs.

KU1

Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of essential facts, concepts, theories and principles of their engineering discipline, and its underpinning science and mathematics.

KU2

Have an appreciation of the wider multidisciplinary engineering context and its underlying principles.

S1

The ability to make general evaluations of commercial risks through some understanding of the basis of such risks.

S4

Awareness of the framework of relevant legal requirements governing engineering activities, including personnel, health, safety, and risk (including environmental risk) issues.

E1

Ability to use fundamental knowledge to investigate new and emerging technologies.

E2

Ability to extract data pertinent to an unfamiliar problem, and apply its solution using computer based engineering tools when appropriate.

E3

Ability to apply mathematical and computer based models for solving problems in engineering, and the ability to assess the limitations of particular cases.

P1

A thorough understanding of current practice and its limitations and some appreciation of likely new developments.

P3

Understanding of contexts in which engineering knowledge can be applied (e.g. operations and management, technology, development, etc).

US1

A comprehensive understanding of the scientific principles of own specialisation and related disciplines.

US3

An understanding of concepts from a range of areas including some outside engineering, and the ability to apply them effectively in engineering projects.

Last modified: 29/07/2019 12:28

Engineering Tripos Part IIB, 4M16: Nuclear Power Engineering (shared with IIA), 2022-23

Module Leader

Prof. Geoff Parks

Lecturers

Prof. Geoff Parks, Prof. Eugene Shwageraus and Mr Bob Skelton

Timing and Structure

Lent Term. 12 lectures + 2 examples classes + 2 in-lecture demonstrations. Assessment: 100% exam. Lectures will be recorded.

Aims

The aims of the course are to:

give the student an introduction to and appreciation of nuclear power engineering and the UK nuclear industry

Objectives

As specific objectives, by the end of the course students should be able to:

appreciate the nature of neutron-nucleus interactions
classify ionising radiation by physical nature and health hazard
conduct safely a simple experiment involving radiation
understand the principles of radiation detection and shielding
understand the principles of operation of UK nuclear reactors
apply elementary models of neutron behaviour in reactors
compute simple power distributions in reactors
compute simple temperature distributions in reactors and appreciate their consequences
appreciate the significance of delayed neutrons and xenon-135 to the control and operation of reactors
appreciate the advantages and disadvantages of on-load and off-load refuelling
perform simple calculations to predict the refuelling requirements of reactors
explain the operation of enrichment plant
appreciate the problems of radioactive waste management
appreciate the range of activities of the UK nuclear industry

Content

Basic Principles and Health Physics (2L, Prof. E. Shwageraus)

Principles of nuclear reactions;
Radioactivity and the effects of ionising radiation;
Introduction to health physics and shielding.

Reactor Physics (3L, Prof. G.T. Parks)

The fission chain process;
Interactions of neutrons with matter;
Models for neutron distributions in space and energy.

Reactor Design & Operation (4L, Prof. G.T. Parks)

Simple reactor design;
Heat transfer and temperature distributions in commercial reactors;
Time-dependent aspects of reactor operations; delayed neutrons and xenon poisoning;
In-core and out-of-core fuel cycles.

Fuel Processing (3L, Mr R.L. Skelton)

Enrichment and reprocessing;
The treatment, containment and disposal of radioactive wastes.

Demonstrations (2L, Prof. G.T. Parks)

Demonstration of the use of Geiger-Muller and scintillation counters for detecting ionising radiation (1 hour in-lecture time).

Demonstration of the detection and shielding of fast and thermal neutrons using a 37 GBq Americium-Beryllium source (1 hour in-lecture time).

Booklists

Please refer to the Booklist for references to this module. This can be found on the associated Moodle course.

Examination Guidelines

Please refer to Form & conduct of the examinations.

UK-SPEC

This syllabus contributes to the following areas of the UK-SPEC standard:

Toggle display of UK-SPEC areas.

GT1

IA1

Apply appropriate quantitative science and engineering tools to the analysis of problems.

IA2

Demonstrate creative and innovative ability in the synthesis of solutions and in formulating designs.

KU1

Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of essential facts, concepts, theories and principles of their engineering discipline, and its underpinning science and mathematics.

KU2

Have an appreciation of the wider multidisciplinary engineering context and its underlying principles.

S1

The ability to make general evaluations of commercial risks through some understanding of the basis of such risks.

S4

Awareness of the framework of relevant legal requirements governing engineering activities, including personnel, health, safety, and risk (including environmental risk) issues.

E1

Ability to use fundamental knowledge to investigate new and emerging technologies.

E2

Ability to extract data pertinent to an unfamiliar problem, and apply its solution using computer based engineering tools when appropriate.

E3

Ability to apply mathematical and computer based models for solving problems in engineering, and the ability to assess the limitations of particular cases.

P1

A thorough understanding of current practice and its limitations and some appreciation of likely new developments.

P3

Understanding of contexts in which engineering knowledge can be applied (e.g. operations and management, technology, development, etc).

US1

A comprehensive understanding of the scientific principles of own specialisation and related disciplines.

US3

An understanding of concepts from a range of areas including some outside engineering, and the ability to apply them effectively in engineering projects.

Last modified: 21/07/2022 12:17

Engineering Tripos Part IIB, 4M16: Nuclear Power Engineering (shared with IIA), 2020-21

Module Leader

Dr G T Parks

Lecturers

Dr G T Parks and Mr R L Skelton

Timing and Structure

Lent Term. 12 lectures + 2 examples classes + 2 in-lecture demonstrations. Assessment: 100% exam

Aims

The aims of the course are to:

give the student an introduction to and appreciation of nuclear power engineering and the UK nuclear industry

Objectives

As specific objectives, by the end of the course students should be able to:

appreciate the nature of neutron-nucleus interactions
classify ionising radiation by physical nature and health hazard
conduct safely a simple experiment involving radiation
understand the principles of radiation detection and shielding
understand the principles of operation of UK nuclear reactors
apply elementary models of neutron behaviour in reactors
compute simple power distributions in reactors
compute simple temperature distributions in reactors and appreciate their consequences
appreciate the significance of delayed neutrons and xenon-135 to the control and operation of reactors
appreciate the advantages and disadvantages of on-load and off-load refuelling
perform simple calculations to predict the refuelling requirements of reactors
explain the operation of enrichment plant
appreciate the problems of radioactive waste management
appreciate the range of activities of the UK nuclear industry

Content

Basic Principles and Health Physics (2L, Dr G T Parks)

Principles of nuclear reactions;
Radioactivity and the effects of ionising radiation;
Introduction to health physics and shielding.

Reactor Physics (3L, Dr G T Parks)

The fission chain process;
Interactions of neutrons with matter;
Models for neutron distributions in space and energy.

Reactor Design & Operation (4L, Dr G T Parks)

Simple reactor design;
Heat transfer and temperature distributions in commercial reactors;
Time dependent aspects of reactor operations; delayed neutrons and xenon poisoning;
In-core and out-of-core fuel cycles.

Fuel Processing (3L, Mr R L Skelton)

Enrichment and reprocessing;
The containment and disposal of radioactive wastes.

Demonstrations (2L, Dr G T Parks)

Demonstration of the use of Geiger-Muller and scintillation counters for detecting ionising radiation (1 hour in-lecture time).

Demonstration of the detection and shielding of fast and thermal neutrons using a 37 GBq Americium-Beryllium source (1 hour in-lecture time).

Booklists

Please refer to the Booklist for references to this module. This can be found on the associated Moodle course.

Examination Guidelines

Please refer to Form & conduct of the examinations.

UK-SPEC

This syllabus contributes to the following areas of the UK-SPEC standard:

Toggle display of UK-SPEC areas.

GT1

IA1

Apply appropriate quantitative science and engineering tools to the analysis of problems.

IA2

Demonstrate creative and innovative ability in the synthesis of solutions and in formulating designs.

KU1

Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of essential facts, concepts, theories and principles of their engineering discipline, and its underpinning science and mathematics.

KU2

Have an appreciation of the wider multidisciplinary engineering context and its underlying principles.

S1

The ability to make general evaluations of commercial risks through some understanding of the basis of such risks.

S4

Awareness of the framework of relevant legal requirements governing engineering activities, including personnel, health, safety, and risk (including environmental risk) issues.

E1

Ability to use fundamental knowledge to investigate new and emerging technologies.

E2

Ability to extract data pertinent to an unfamiliar problem, and apply its solution using computer based engineering tools when appropriate.

E3

Ability to apply mathematical and computer based models for solving problems in engineering, and the ability to assess the limitations of particular cases.

P1

A thorough understanding of current practice and its limitations and some appreciation of likely new developments.

P3

Understanding of contexts in which engineering knowledge can be applied (e.g. operations and management, technology, development, etc).

US1

A comprehensive understanding of the scientific principles of own specialisation and related disciplines.

US3

An understanding of concepts from a range of areas including some outside engineering, and the ability to apply them effectively in engineering projects.

Last modified: 11/09/2020 17:17

Engineering Tripos Part IIB, 4M16: Nuclear Power Engineering (shared with IIA), 2023-24

Module Leader

Prof. Geoff Parks

Lecturers

Prof. Geoff Parks, Prof. Eugene Shwageraus and Mr Bob Skelton

Timing and Structure

Lent Term. 12 lectures + 2 examples classes + 2 in-lecture demonstrations. Assessment: 100% exam. Lectures will be recorded.

Aims

The aims of the course are to:

give the student an introduction to and appreciation of nuclear power engineering and the UK nuclear industry

Objectives

As specific objectives, by the end of the course students should be able to:

appreciate the nature of neutron-nucleus interactions
classify ionising radiation by physical nature and health hazard
conduct safely a simple experiment involving radiation
understand the principles of radiation detection and shielding
understand the principles of operation of UK nuclear reactors
apply elementary models of neutron behaviour in reactors
compute simple power distributions in reactors
compute simple temperature distributions in reactors and appreciate their consequences
appreciate the significance of delayed neutrons and xenon-135 to the control and operation of reactors
appreciate the advantages and disadvantages of on-load and off-load refuelling
perform simple calculations to predict the refuelling requirements of reactors
explain the operation of enrichment plant
appreciate the problems of radioactive waste management
appreciate the range of activities of the UK nuclear industry

Content

Basic Principles and Health Physics (2L, Prof. E. Shwageraus)

Principles of nuclear reactions;
Radioactivity and the effects of ionising radiation;
Introduction to health physics and shielding.

Reactor Physics (3L, Prof. G.T. Parks)

The fission chain process;
Interactions of neutrons with matter;
Models for neutron distributions in space and energy.

Reactor Design & Operation (4L, Prof. G.T. Parks)

Simple reactor design;
Heat transfer and temperature distributions in commercial reactors;
Time-dependent aspects of reactor operations; delayed neutrons and xenon poisoning;
In-core and out-of-core fuel cycles.

Fuel Processing (3L, Mr R.L. Skelton)

Enrichment and reprocessing;
The treatment, containment and disposal of radioactive wastes.

Demonstrations (2L, Prof. G.T. Parks)

Demonstration of the use of Geiger-Muller and scintillation counters for detecting ionising radiation (1 hour in-lecture time).

Demonstration of the detection and shielding of fast and thermal neutrons using a 37 GBq Americium-Beryllium source (1 hour in-lecture time).

Booklists

Please refer to the Booklist for references to this module. This can be found on the associated Moodle course.

Examination Guidelines

Please refer to Form & conduct of the examinations.

UK-SPEC

This syllabus contributes to the following areas of the UK-SPEC standard:

Toggle display of UK-SPEC areas.

GT1

IA1

Apply appropriate quantitative science and engineering tools to the analysis of problems.

IA2

Demonstrate creative and innovative ability in the synthesis of solutions and in formulating designs.

KU1

Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of essential facts, concepts, theories and principles of their engineering discipline, and its underpinning science and mathematics.

KU2

Have an appreciation of the wider multidisciplinary engineering context and its underlying principles.

S1

The ability to make general evaluations of commercial risks through some understanding of the basis of such risks.

S4

Awareness of the framework of relevant legal requirements governing engineering activities, including personnel, health, safety, and risk (including environmental risk) issues.

E1

Ability to use fundamental knowledge to investigate new and emerging technologies.

E2

Ability to extract data pertinent to an unfamiliar problem, and apply its solution using computer based engineering tools when appropriate.

E3

Ability to apply mathematical and computer based models for solving problems in engineering, and the ability to assess the limitations of particular cases.

P1

A thorough understanding of current practice and its limitations and some appreciation of likely new developments.

P3

Understanding of contexts in which engineering knowledge can be applied (e.g. operations and management, technology, development, etc).

US1

A comprehensive understanding of the scientific principles of own specialisation and related disciplines.

US3

An understanding of concepts from a range of areas including some outside engineering, and the ability to apply them effectively in engineering projects.

Last modified: 30/05/2023 15:35

Engineering Tripos Part IIB, 4M16: Nuclear Power Engineering (shared with IIA), 2018-19

Module Leader

Dr G Parks

Lecturers

Dr G T Parks, Dr E Shwageraus and Mr R L Skelton

Timing and Structure

Lent term. 12 lectures + 2 examples classes + 2 laboratory demonstrations. Assessment: 100% exam

Aims

The aims of the course are to:

give the student an introduction to and appreciation of nuclear power engineering and the UK nuclear industry

Objectives

As specific objectives, by the end of the course students should be able to:

appreciate the nature of neutron-nucleus interactions
classify ionising radiation by physical nature and health hazard
conduct safely a simple experiment involving radiation
understand the principles of radiation detection and shielding
understand the principles of operation of UK nuclear reactors
apply elementary models of neutron behaviour in reactors
compute simple power distributions in reactors
compute simple temperature distributions in reactors and appreciate their consequences
appreciate the significance of delayed neutrons and xenon-135 to the control and operation of reactors
appreciate the advantages and disadvantages of on-load and off-load refuelling
perform simple calculations to predict the refuelling requirements of reactors
explain the operation of enrichment plant
appreciate the problems of radioactive waste management
appreciate the range of activities of the UK nuclear industry

Content

Basic Principles and Health Physics (2L, Dr E Shwageraus)

Principles of nuclear reactions;
Radioactivity and the effects of ionising radiation;
Introduction to health physics and shielding.

Reactor Physics (3L, Dr G T Parks)

The fission chain process;
Interactions of neutrons with matter;
Models for neutron distributions in space and energy.

Reactor Design & Operation (4L, Dr G T Parks)

Simple reactor design;
Heat transfer and temperature distributions in commercial reactors;
Time dependent aspects of reactor operations; delayed neutrons and xenon poisoning;
In-core and out-of-core fuel cycles.

Fuel Processing (3L, Mr R L Skelton)

Enrichment and reprocessing;
The containment and disposal of radioactive wastes.

LABORATORY DEMONSTRATIONS

Demonstration of the use of Geiger-Muller and scintillation counters for detecting ionising radiation (1 hour in-lecture time).

Demonstration of the detection and shielding of fast and thermal neutrons using a 37 GBq Americium-Beryllium source (1 hour in-lecture time).

Booklists

Please see the Booklist for Group M Courses for references for this module.

Examination Guidelines

Please refer to Form & conduct of the examinations.

UK-SPEC

This syllabus contributes to the following areas of the UK-SPEC standard:

Toggle display of UK-SPEC areas.

GT1

IA1

Apply appropriate quantitative science and engineering tools to the analysis of problems.

IA2

Demonstrate creative and innovative ability in the synthesis of solutions and in formulating designs.

KU1

Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of essential facts, concepts, theories and principles of their engineering discipline, and its underpinning science and mathematics.

KU2

Have an appreciation of the wider multidisciplinary engineering context and its underlying principles.

S1

The ability to make general evaluations of commercial risks through some understanding of the basis of such risks.

S4

Awareness of the framework of relevant legal requirements governing engineering activities, including personnel, health, safety, and risk (including environmental risk) issues.

E1

Ability to use fundamental knowledge to investigate new and emerging technologies.

E2

Ability to extract data pertinent to an unfamiliar problem, and apply its solution using computer based engineering tools when appropriate.

E3

Ability to apply mathematical and computer based models for solving problems in engineering, and the ability to assess the limitations of particular cases.

P1

A thorough understanding of current practice and its limitations and some appreciation of likely new developments.

P3

Understanding of contexts in which engineering knowledge can be applied (e.g. operations and management, technology, development, etc).

US1

A comprehensive understanding of the scientific principles of own specialisation and related disciplines.

US3

An understanding of concepts from a range of areas including some outside engineering, and the ability to apply them effectively in engineering projects.

Last modified: 30/05/2018 11:46

Engineering Tripos Part IIB, 4M16: Nuclear Power Engineering (shared with IIA), 2021-22

Module Leader

Dr G T Parks

Lecturers

Dr G T Parks, Dr E Shwageraus and Mr R L Skelton

Timing and Structure

Lent Term. 12 lectures + 2 examples classes + 2 in-lecture demonstrations. Assessment: 100% exam

Aims

The aims of the course are to:

give the student an introduction to and appreciation of nuclear power engineering and the UK nuclear industry

Objectives

As specific objectives, by the end of the course students should be able to:

appreciate the nature of neutron-nucleus interactions
classify ionising radiation by physical nature and health hazard
conduct safely a simple experiment involving radiation
understand the principles of radiation detection and shielding
understand the principles of operation of UK nuclear reactors
apply elementary models of neutron behaviour in reactors
compute simple power distributions in reactors
compute simple temperature distributions in reactors and appreciate their consequences
appreciate the significance of delayed neutrons and xenon-135 to the control and operation of reactors
appreciate the advantages and disadvantages of on-load and off-load refuelling
perform simple calculations to predict the refuelling requirements of reactors
explain the operation of enrichment plant
appreciate the problems of radioactive waste management
appreciate the range of activities of the UK nuclear industry

Content

Basic Principles and Health Physics (2L, Dr E Shwageraus)

Principles of nuclear reactions;
Radioactivity and the effects of ionising radiation;
Introduction to health physics and shielding.

Reactor Physics (3L, Dr G T Parks)

The fission chain process;
Interactions of neutrons with matter;
Models for neutron distributions in space and energy.

Reactor Design & Operation (4L, Dr G T Parks)

Simple reactor design;
Heat transfer and temperature distributions in commercial reactors;
Time-dependent aspects of reactor operations; delayed neutrons and xenon poisoning;
In-core and out-of-core fuel cycles.

Fuel Processing (3L, Mr R L Skelton)

Enrichment and reprocessing;
The treatment, containment and disposal of radioactive wastes.

Demonstrations (2L, Dr G T Parks)

Demonstration of the use of Geiger-Muller and scintillation counters for detecting ionising radiation (1 hour in-lecture time).

Demonstration of the detection and shielding of fast and thermal neutrons using a 37 GBq Americium-Beryllium source (1 hour in-lecture time).

Booklists

Please refer to the Booklist for references to this module. This can be found on the associated Moodle course.

Examination Guidelines

Please refer to Form & conduct of the examinations.

UK-SPEC

This syllabus contributes to the following areas of the UK-SPEC standard:

Toggle display of UK-SPEC areas.

GT1

IA1

Apply appropriate quantitative science and engineering tools to the analysis of problems.

IA2

Demonstrate creative and innovative ability in the synthesis of solutions and in formulating designs.

KU1

Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of essential facts, concepts, theories and principles of their engineering discipline, and its underpinning science and mathematics.

KU2

Have an appreciation of the wider multidisciplinary engineering context and its underlying principles.

S1

The ability to make general evaluations of commercial risks through some understanding of the basis of such risks.

S4

Awareness of the framework of relevant legal requirements governing engineering activities, including personnel, health, safety, and risk (including environmental risk) issues.

E1

Ability to use fundamental knowledge to investigate new and emerging technologies.

E2

Ability to extract data pertinent to an unfamiliar problem, and apply its solution using computer based engineering tools when appropriate.

E3

Ability to apply mathematical and computer based models for solving problems in engineering, and the ability to assess the limitations of particular cases.

P1

A thorough understanding of current practice and its limitations and some appreciation of likely new developments.

P3

Understanding of contexts in which engineering knowledge can be applied (e.g. operations and management, technology, development, etc).

US1

A comprehensive understanding of the scientific principles of own specialisation and related disciplines.

US3

An understanding of concepts from a range of areas including some outside engineering, and the ability to apply them effectively in engineering projects.

Last modified: 23/08/2021 16:57

Engineering Tripos Part IIB, 4M12: Partial Differential Equations & Variational Methods (shared with IIA), 2022-23

Module Leader

Dr J S Biggins

Lecturers

Dr J S Biggins and Prof P Davidson

Timing and Structure

Lent term. 16 lectures (including examples classes). Assessment: 100% exam

Aims

The aims of the course are to:

provide an introduction to the various classes of PDE and the physical nature of their solution
demonstrate how variational calculus can be used to derive both ordinary and partial differential equations, and also how the technique can be used to obtain approximate solutions to these equations

Objectives

As specific objectives, by the end of the course students should be able to:

understand the various types of PDE and the physical nature of their solutions.
understand various solution methods for PDEs and be able to apply these to a range of problems.
understand the formulation of various physical problems in terms of variational statements
estimate solutions using trial functions and direct minimisation;
calculate an Euler-Lagrange differential equation from a variational statement, and to find the corresponding natural boundary conditions;
perform vector manipulations using suffix notation.

Content

Partial differential equations (PDEs) occur widely in all branches of engineering science, and this course provides an introduction to the various classes of PDE and the physical nature of their solution. The second part of the course demonstrates how variational calculus can be used to derive both ordinary and partial differential equations, and also how the technique can be used to obtain approximate solutions to these equations. The final section on the summation convention provides a powerful mathematical tool for the manipulation of equations that arise in engineering analysis

Suffix notation and the summation convention (2L Dr J S Biggins)

Index notation for scalar, vector, and matrix products, and for grad, div and curl. Applications including Stokes’ theorem and the divergence theorem.

Variational methods in engineering analysis (6L DrJ S Biggins)

Introduction to variational calculus. Functionals and their first variation. Derivation of differential equations and boundary conditions from variational principles. The Euler-Lagrange equations. The effect of constraints. Applications in mechanics, optics, stress analysis, and optimal control.

Partial Differential Equations (8L Prof. P. A. Davidson)

What is a PDE? Classification of PDEs: elliptic/parabolic/hyperbolic types. Canonical examples of each type: Laplace/diffusion/wave equations. solving the diffusion equation. Solving the wave equation. Solving the Laplace equation.

Booklists

Please refer to the Booklist for references to this module, this can be found on the associated Moodle course.

Examination Guidelines

Please refer to Form & conduct of the examinations.

UK-SPEC

This syllabus contributes to the following areas of the UK-SPEC standard:

Toggle display of UK-SPEC areas.

GT1

IA1

Apply appropriate quantitative science and engineering tools to the analysis of problems.

IA2

Demonstrate creative and innovative ability in the synthesis of solutions and in formulating designs.

KU1

Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of essential facts, concepts, theories and principles of their engineering discipline, and its underpinning science and mathematics.

KU2

Have an appreciation of the wider multidisciplinary engineering context and its underlying principles.

E1

Ability to use fundamental knowledge to investigate new and emerging technologies.

E3

Ability to apply mathematical and computer based models for solving problems in engineering, and the ability to assess the limitations of particular cases.

P3

Understanding of contexts in which engineering knowledge can be applied (e.g. operations and management, technology, development, etc).

US1

A comprehensive understanding of the scientific principles of own specialisation and related disciplines.

US2

A comprehensive knowledge and understanding of mathematical and computer models relevant to the engineering discipline, and an appreciation of their limitations.

US3

An understanding of concepts from a range of areas including some outside engineering, and the ability to apply them effectively in engineering projects.

Last modified: 24/05/2022 13:14

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IA2

Module Leader

Lecturer

Lab Leader

Timing and Structure

Prerequisites

Aims

Objectives

Content

Day 1: Foundations

Day 2: Portfolio Thinking

Day 3: Real Options Analysis

Further notes

Coursework

Booklists

Examination Guidelines

UK-SPEC

GT1

IA1

IA2

KU1

KU2

S1

S2

E1

E3

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P8

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Module Leader

Lecturer

Lab Leader

Timing and Structure

Prerequisites

Aims

Objectives

Content

Day 1: Foundations

Day 2: Portfolio Thinking

Day 3: Real Options Analysis

Further notes

Coursework

Booklists

Examination Guidelines

UK-SPEC

GT1

IA1

IA2

KU1

KU2

S1

S2

E1

E3

P3

P8

US1

US3

Module Leader

Lecturers

Timing and Structure

Aims

Objectives

Content

Basic Principles and Health Physics (2L, Dr E Shwageraus)

Reactor Physics (3L, Dr G T Parks)

Reactor Design & Operation (4L, Dr G T Parks)

Fuel Processing (3L, Mr R L Skelton)

LABORATORY DEMONSTRATIONS

Booklists

Examination Guidelines

UK-SPEC

GT1

IA1

IA2

KU1

KU2

S1