Nuclear Engineering
Discover our cutting-edge curriculum and research opportunities in nuclear engineering.
The Nuclear Engineering Department at Shaggar Institute of Technology (SIT) is dedicated to advancing education and innovation in nuclear science and engineering. Our program provides students with a strong foundation in both theoretical and applied nuclear sciences, preparing them for careers in energy production, nuclear safety, radiation applications, and research. While laboratory limitations are a challenge in Ethiopia and other developing nations, SIT leverages simulation-based training, partnerships with research institutes, and hands-on apprenticeships to ensure our students gain both conceptual knowledge and practical skills. By combining rigorous academics with applied experiences, the department aims to equip graduates with the expertise to contribute to Ethiopia's sustainable energy future and to participate in the global nuclear technology community.
Students will engage in foundational and applied nuclear studies across three central areas:
Nuclear Reactor Physics and Engineering: Covering neutron transport theory, reactor design principles, nuclear fuel cycles, and reactor operations.
Radiation Science and Applications: Exploring radiation detection, radiation protection, health physics, and medical imaging technologies.
Nuclear Energy Systems and Policy: Studying thermal-hydraulics, energy conversion, waste management, nuclear safety, and the regulatory frameworks for peaceful nuclear use.
Preparing the next generation of nuclear engineers to power Ethiopia's future responsibly
Program Duration
Quarter-based system with three quarters per year, each spanning 12-13 weeks
Learning Approach
Blended model of theoretical learning and applied training with simulation-based labs to supplement limited experimental infrastructure
Program Objectives
Our program prepares students to:
Build a strong foundation in nuclear science and engineering fundamentals
Develop expertise in nuclear systems, energy sustainability, and radiation applications
Contribute to Ethiopia's national energy strategy through safe and innovative nuclear solutions
Cultivate research, innovation, and leadership skills for local and global impact
Work collaboratively in multidisciplinary settings with a strong sense of ethics and responsibility
Expected Outcomes
Upon graduation, our students will demonstrate the ability to:
Apply nuclear engineering principles to real-world challenges in energy, health, and technology
Design, analyze, and optimize reactor systems using modern computational tools
Understand and apply radiation safety and health physics in industry and medical contexts
Evaluate and contribute to nuclear policy, regulation, and non-proliferation initiatives
Conduct research in nuclear systems, radiation science, and energy sustainability
Communicate technical knowledge clearly and work effectively in multidisciplinary teams
Uphold professional, ethical, and environmental standards in nuclear practice
Empowering future engineers with the knowledge and skills to transform tomorrow's technology landscape
Curriculum Overview
Graduation Requirements
- 120 credit hours within four years
- 94 credit hours of subject area classes and electives
- Minimum GPA of 2.5
- Final score of PASS is mandatory
Research Requirements
- 20 credit hours of apprenticeship
- 6 credit hours of research thesis with successful defense
- Research at SIT's incubation or approved organizations
Humanity Electives
- English I & II
- Technical Writing and Communication
- History of Ethiopia's Technological Progress
- Philosophy of Science and Ethics
- Economics
- Business and Entrepreneurship
- Leadership
Engineering & Science Core
- Calculus I, II, & III
- Physics I & II
- Chemistry for Engineers
- Introduction to Computer Science
- Python Programming
- Engineering Thermodynamics
- Fluid Mechanics
- Capstone Design Project
- Engineering Ethics and Professionalism
Core Nuclear Engineering Courses
- Introduction to Nuclear Engineering
- Nuclear Reactor Physics I & II
- Radiation Detection and Measurement
- Nuclear Materials and Fuel Cycles
- Thermal-Hydraulics of Nuclear Systems
- Radiation Protection and Health Physics
- Nuclear Waste Management and Environmental Impact
- Nuclear Reactor Safety and Regulation
- Computational Methods in Nuclear Engineering
- Medical Applications of Radiation
- Energy Systems and Sustainability
- Nuclear Policy, Security, and Non-Proliferation
- Special Topics in Nuclear Science and Engineering
Apprenticeship Credits
- Apprenticeship I
- Apprenticeship II
- Apprenticeship III
- Apprenticeship IV
Empowering future engineers to harness nuclear science for sustainable progress
Join our innovative nuclear engineering program