Model Academic Curriculum in Nuclear Security

Technical Guidence

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• Publisher: International Atomic Energy Agency
• Year: 2021
• ISBN:
  9789201328205
• Topic: Technology & Engineering
• Subtopic: Mechanical Engineering
• Index: Technology & Engineering

This publication provides a model academic curriculum covering the entire spectrum of nuclear security topics for a master's degree programme or for an academic certificate programme in nuclear security. The first edition, entitled Educational Programmes in Nuclear Security, was published in 2010. Since then, the body of knowledge in the field of nuclear security has grown substantially and the IAEA Nuclear Security Series has expanded to cover more topics. The current publication takes into account the latest IAEA guidance, as well as feedback from the International Nuclear Security Education Network (INSEN) community and other international experts. The publication can be used by university curriculum developers as well as faculty and instructors from institutions that are implementing or considering educational programmes in nuclear security.

1. INTRODUCTION

Background

1.1. According to IAEA Nuclear Security Series No. 20, Objective and Essential Elements of a State’s Nuclear Security Regime [1], the objective of a State’s nuclear security regime is to protect persons, property, society and the environment from harmful consequences of a nuclear security event. Responsibility rests with the State for meeting this objective by establishing, implementing, maintaining and sustaining a nuclear security regime applicable to nuclear material, other radioactive material, associated facilities and associated activities under a State’s jurisdiction.

1.2. Such a regime can be strengthened through appropriate training and education at all levels, and in all organizations and facilities involved in nuclear security, by preparing the next generation of professionals with knowledge, expertise and understanding of the importance of nuclear security.

1.3. This publication is intended to assist States in developing a model academic curriculum for nuclear security. It is complementary to, and consistent with, the following Nuclear Security Recommendations publications:

(a) IAEA Nuclear Security Series No. 13, Nuclear Security Recommendations on Physical Protection of Nuclear Material and Nuclear Facilities (INFCIRC/225/Revision 5) [2];

(b) IAEA Nuclear Security Series No. 14, Nuclear Security Recommendations on Radioactive Material and Associated Facilities [3];

(c) IAEA Nuclear Security Series No. 15, Nuclear Security Recommendations on Nuclear and Other Radioactive Material out of Regulatory Control [4].

1.4. This publication updates and supersedes IAEA Nuclear Security Series No. 12, Educational Programme in Nuclear Security, which was issued in 2010.1 Since that time, the body of knowledge in the field of nuclear security has grown substantially, and the IAEA Nuclear Security Series has expanded to cover more topics. The first revision of this publication takes into account the IAEA Nuclear Security Series guidance published between 2010 and 2018, as well as the feedback from the International Nuclear Security Education Network (INSEN) community and other international experts.

Objective

1.5. This publication is intended to provide a model academic curriculum covering the entire spectrum of nuclear security topics for a master’s degree programme or for an academic certificate programme in nuclear security. The publication can be used by university2 curriculum developers as well as faculty and instructors from academic and other educational institutions that are implementing or considering educational programmes in nuclear security. It might also be of value to other stakeholders in nuclear security, such as decision makers, operators, regulators, law enforcement agencies and other entities responsible for nuclear security. It may also be useful to prospective students as an informational resource.

1.6. This model academic curriculum in nuclear security can also be used as a resource to facilitate the development by national authorities of a comprehensive national nuclear security human resource development programme, which has the purpose of developing and maintaining relevant knowledge and skills and sustaining personnel qualified to deal with current and future nuclear security challenges.

Scope

1.7. This publication offers a substantive and structural framework for a comprehensive master’s degree programme or academic certificate programme in nuclear security. It is not the intent of this publication to be a substitute for a comprehensive professional training programme in nuclear security.

1.8. This curriculum outlines modules that are directly related to nuclear security. It is assumed that students entering a nuclear security graduate programme have prior knowledge and understanding of scientific concepts and principles necessary to successfully complete all academic requirements towards a graduate degree.

1.9. All areas of nuclear security as laid out in the IAEA Nuclear Security Series publications are covered by this publication in terms of their contribution to this academic programme, including physical protection of nuclear material and associated facilities, security of other radioactive material and associated facilities and activities, detection of mater...

Table of contents

• 1. INTRODUCTION
• Annex I PROPOSED MODULES FOR A MASTER OF SCIENCE ACADEMIC CURRICULUM IN NUCLEAR SECURITY
• Annex II PROPOSED MODULES FOR A CERTIFICATE PROGRAMME CURRICULUM IN NUCLEAR SECURITY