This online course provides an introduction to the nuclear power industry.  It begins with an overview of how steam power plants produce electricity using steam, including fossil and nuclear plants.  We explore the power generation industry and nuclear power organizations.  The course focuses on Pressurized Water Reactors (PWRs), the most common type of nuclear plant.  In addition, the course briefly reviews Boiling Water Reactors (BWRs) to learn the main difference between PWRs and BWRs.

During week 2, we study the fission process and basic principles of reactor physics.  Students learn about the primary and secondary systems of a PWR, in weeks 3 & 4. The final week includes overviews of normal plant operation, control, and plant safety.  

The course is completely delivered online over a 5 week period.  The course is not a self-learning CBT, but instead is instructor-led and has numerous opportunities for instructor-to-student and student-to-student online collaboration.  Use of discussion threads and group work are used throughout the 5 week period.  Online classroom procedures encourage discussion and sharing of knowledge similar to a face-to-face setting.  Instead of talking face-to-face, we "talk" online using threaded discussions.  In addition, this online instructor-led course uses weekly activities, including lecture notes, animated PowerPoint files, website links, reading assignments, team assignments, worksheets, threaded discussion forums, quizzes, surveys, and learning games.