Naval Nuclear Foundations: Technology and Safety

This credential is particularly suitable for:

• Credential is suitable for those intending to support the design, build, sustainment or disposal of nuclear-powered submarines and associated infrastructure.
  
  
• The first in a series of training modules aligned with US and UK nuclear requirements and tailored to the Australian context, this course is designed for those overseeing staff involved in the delivery of nuclear powered submarines, including Tier 2 supplier managers and waterfront enabling teams.
  
  
• While there are no educational pre-requisites, there is a level of learning to be attained across a breadth of topics – biology, physics (includes mathematics to a year 10 equivalent), chemistry, history, politics and management (risk, safety and assurance).
  
  
• At completion, learners should be considered to have a basic level of nuclear literacy.

This course forms part of a wider competency framework with this serving as the introductory module for three of the six naval nuclear topics.

Spread across two days, we will cover the history of naval nuclear technology, the technology itself, and some of the safety and assurance philosophies associated with nuclear-powered submarines.

Course main topics and themes

• History of Naval Nuclear Propulsion: Overview
• Historical Foundations and Strategic Milestones
• Policy Safety and Strategic Cooperation
• Case Studies and Future Outlook
• Radiation and Public Perception
• Foundations of Nuclear Physics
• Radiation Types, Sources and Safety Perspectives
• Perspective Statements and demonstration
• Public Perception and Communication Strategies
• Quality Assurance and Risk Management Framework
• Quality Assurance: First time quality, audit and continuous improvement
• Risk management Framework and Incident Management
  
  

Credential learning outcomes:

1 – Nuclear Technology

• Explain the general fundamentals of a pressurised water reactor including design functionality.
• Summarise the nuclear physics and how they relate to "inherent safety" (Why did we choose PWRs), why SSNs Vs. SSKs, Historical Safety Record.

2 – Radiation and Public Perception

• Analyse the relative risk of nuclear-powered submarines - radiation normal operations and different types of nuclear event to a range of audiences.
• Explain the different types of radiation, historical nuclear events and their impacts. Normal operations and the relative risk compared to other radiation sources.

3 – Safety and Quality

• Apply the concept of risk-based decision-making with reference to Safety, Environmental and Assets within the nuclear-powered submarine context.
  
  

Assesment Requirements:

To successfully complete this credential, you are required to pass a final assessment. To demonstrate what you have learned, you will:

i. Identify the key components and explain the basic design and function of naval nuclear propulsion systems. 

ii. Analyse and outline the relative risks of nuclear-powered submarines as they relate to normal operations and nuclear scenarios using sector-specific terminology. 

iii. Apply risk-based decision-making principles to scenarios as they relate to safety, environment, and assets within the nuclear-powered submarine context.  

iv. Combined Case Study

Once you successfully complete and pass the final assessment, you'll earn a digital badge that is instantly shareable to your social networks (including LinkedIn) which showcases your new skills and knowledge mastery.

Essentials

This credential provides foundation knowledge in a discipline and doesn't require previous knowledge.

You will also earn 5 credit points which are in line with Australian Qualification Framework Level 8 criteria, ensuring comprehensive theoretical and/or technical knowledge of the credential. 100 credit points are required to earn a Graduate Certificate at Curtin.

Curtin Credentials focus on five themes, which have been carefully curated based on what's most relevant and valuable to professionals today, and in the future. This credential fits within the following theme:

Future of Work

Thrive and adapt in the changing world of work by developing and broadening your skillset in a range of areas including work design and cognitive flexibility.

 

For more information on this, or any other questions about Curtin Credentials, email us at curtincredentials@curtin.edu.au or call Curtin Connect at 1300 222 888.