Introduction to Nuclear Engineering and Ionizing Radiation
MIT OpenCourseWare's introduction to nuclear science covers basic nuclear models, radioactivity, nuclear reactions, and kinematics, then moves into how ionizing radiation interacts with matter. Topics include radiation detection instruments, shielding design, and the biological effects of radiation exposure on human health. The second half surveys energy systems built on fission and fusion reactions alongside industrial and medical applications of nuclear science, such as imaging and treatment technologies. Materials include lecture notes, problem sets, and exams typical of MIT's OCW offerings, giving a full semester's worth of structured content rather than a single talk. The course suits students with a physics and calculus background who want the engineering side of nuclear science, not just the theory. As with all MIT OCW courses, materials are free to use under a Creative Commons license, with no certificate offered.