Department of Nuclear and Quanturn Engineering

URL : http://nuclear.kaist.ac.kr/index_eng.html

Summary

Nuclear and quantum engineering is an academic field that studies nuclear science and engineering, and quantum technology- two areas that are mutually complimentary. Nuclear science and engineering is primarily concerned with the peaceful use of energy generated by nuclear fission and fusion reactions, which include power generation, desalination, district heating, hydrogen production, and propulsion of spacecrafts and vessels. Quantum engineering is focused on the engineering and scientific applications of quantum phenomena induced by elementary particles such as neutrons, protons, electrons and photons, which include advanced radiation detection, medical imaging, neutron scattering science and its applications for nanoscale materials research, quantum beam engineering, quantum information and quantum computer, and nano & bio-technology. While the existing fossil energy is expected to last for only a few decades, the energy demand has been increasing worldwidely. Since there is no promising alternative energy resources other than nuclear energy that can replace fossil energy economically and practically, a new era of nuclear renaissance is imminent. In addition, since the current and future technology are entering into a quantum length scale where quantum phenomena becomes dominant, the quantum technology is emerging as the key technology of the 21st century. The progress in the 21st century requires creative leaders who can eagerly challenge new critical issues for human society with strong background in both of the existing disciplines and the emerging new fields. To respond to these new demands of the 21st century, the Department of Nuclear and Quantum Engineering has developed a new academic program that can help to strengthen the existing field of nuclear engineering and to pioneer the new field of quantum engineering.

Field and research

The main academic fields of the department consist of the nuclear energy technology, the quantum technology, and the environmental technology. The research fields include nuclear environmental engineering, nuclear reactor analysis and particle transport, nuclear safety and computation, nuclear system engineering, nuclear I&C and information engineering, nuclear materials engineering, radiation detection and medical imaging, neutron scattering science and nanoscale materials research, and quantum beam engineering. The education and research in the department are multidisciplinary by nature and any qualified undergraduate and graduate students who are interested in science and engineering can get an opportunity to study in the department.

After graduation

The multidisciplinary nature of the department allows the graduates to have chances to choose their jobs in a broad range of areas. Currently the graduates of the department are playing leading roles in various national and international research institutes, leading companies, government, and universities as researchers, engineers, officers and faculty members, respectively. Recently, medical-related companies and venture companies have become new job makets for our graduates. As the quantum engineering and technology advance, the job maket for the graduates of our department will become even more broader and stronger in near future.