Each NERS graduate student focuses on one of four areas, with the option to specialize in scientific computing or mathematics as well. Students are encouraged to design their own program of study in consultation with their graduate advisor, taking into account their specific backgrounds and professional goals.
For requirements common to all NERS Graduate Degree Programs see this PDF document. For additional requirements based on your research area, jump to your specialization.
Fission Systems and Radiation Transport | Materials & Radiation Effects | Plasmas and Nuclear Fusion | Radiation Measurements and Imaging
Graduate student guide (PDF): Includes sample schedules, relevant cognates and relevant mathematics classes. Students should work with their graduate advisor to design a program of study appropriate to their background and goals.
The remaining questions will be the same for all students and will test basic fission-option material from the following five NERS courses: 441, 444, 462, 551, and 561.
Master’s or Ph.D. students are expected to continue studying mathematics at the graduate level. Many 500 and 600 level NERS courses require significant mathematical knowledge, including advanced calculus, boundary value problems, Laplace and Fourier transforms, complex variables, numerical methods, and computer programming. The following courses may be relevant.
A number of 400 and 500 level courses offered by other departments are relevant to fission systems and radiation transport. These courses include AEROSP 523 and 623 (Computational Fluid Dynamics I and II), AOSS 532 (Radiative Transfer), and BIOMEDE 464 (Inverse Problems). Students are encouraged to review current course listings in the Michigan Engineering and Graduate School bulletins and consult with NERS faculty regarding upcoming course offerings.
Graduate student guide (PDF): Includes sample schedules, relevant cognates and relevant mathematics classes. Students should work with their graduate advisor to design a program of study appropriate to their background and goals.
In the Materials option, the candidacy examination covers topics in NERS: 521, 522, 524, 622; Physics 463; MATSCIE: 532, 535, 560 and graduate level mathematics. Additional material may be included, depending on the students’ fields of research.
Graduate students who seek a career primarily in materials research and development will need adequate background in both materials science and nuclear engineering and radiological sciences. It is assumed that most students will subsequently seek a Ph.D. degree. For these students, a dual master’s degree in NERS and MATSCIE is recommended.
Double Degree Rules:
(a) The rules of the Graduate School for dual degrees permit a reduction of the credit hours by one-sixth of the sum of the credit hours required by the two master’s programs. Hence a minimum of 50 credit hours is required for the present dual degree program.
(b) NERS requirements: Refer to NERS graduation requirements.
(c) MATSCIE requirements: At least 20 course credit hours in MATSCIE (500 level courses and above – no research) and 10 credit hours (home department).
Prerequisites:
(a) In NERS, same as for any master’s candidates.
(b) In MATSCIE
MATSCIE 350 (4) or equivalent
MATSCIE 330 (3) or equivalent
MATSCIE 470 (3) or equivalent
Graduate student guide (PDF): Includes sample schedules, relevant cognates and relevant mathematics classes. Students should work with their graduate advisor to design a program of study appropriate to their background and goals.
Required courses:
The written candidacy exam in the plasmas and fusion area covers plasma courses through the 500 level.
Graduate student guide (PDF): Includes sample schedules, relevant cognates and relevant mathematics classes. Students should work with their graduate advisor to design a program of study appropriate to their background and goals.
Radiation Measurements and Imaging Courses
In addition to the department’s general requirements, the Measurements option recommends the following specific courses:
Electives
Radiological Health Engineering Courses (Radiation Protection/Medical Physics)
Electives
Ph.D. Candidacy Exam
In the Radiation Measurements and Imaging option the written examination covers topics in:
Although the material on the written examination is primarily drawn from topics covered in courses such as NERS 425, 515, 518, 535, 585, and 586, a fundamental understanding of radiation physics, mathematics, quantum mechanics, and electrical engineering has been found to be essential in successfully tackling this exam. Students intending to perform research in the radiological health engineering or medical physics areas may request a written exam focused in this topic.
Nuclear Engineering and Radiological Sciences