2010-2011 CATALOG

This is an archived copy of the 2010-2011 catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit http://catalog.miracosta.edu

Energy Technology

The Energy Technology Program provides instruction and hands–on experience for students interested in pursuing a career in the nuclear energy industry. The courses in this program introduce students to the basic theory and fundamental applications of nuclear radiation and power generation while also training and preparing students to become successful candidates for jobs as either radiation protection technicians or non–licensed nuclear operators.

Contact Information

Department Chair: Chris Metzler

Dean: Ric Matthews

Department: Physical Sciences

Office: Building SAN 400, (760) 795-7879

Associate Degree

Associate in Science Degree

Energy Technology

The Associate in Science in Energy Technology is designed to meet the increasing need for entry-level employment in the nuclear power and radiation–related industries. Courses in the degree program provide both the academic and practical experience needed to become a competitive job-placement prospect. Through a combination of math, science, technical studies, and work experience, students acquire the analytical and practical skills needed to enter a rewarding career in the field of nuclear power generation.

Students in the program choose either the Non–licensed Operator Training (NLO) or the Radiation Protection Technology (RPT) emphasis. They earn the degree by completing the required courses for their emphasis as well as the general education courses required for MiraCosta College's Associate in Science degree (see Associate Degrees). Students in the program also receive paid on-the-job training at the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station by enrolling in Cooperative Work Experience.

Note: Students interested in the ETEC Program should meet with a MiraCosta counselor to develop a written educational plan for their specific degree.

Program requirements for A.S. in ETEC with Non-Licensed Operator Training Emphasis:

Required courses

Required courses:
RPT 103	Radiation Fundamentals	3
RPT 113	Radiation Monitoring	4
ETEC 115	Electrical Sciences	4
ETEC 133	Reactor Systems	3
ETEC 225	Primary and Secondary Power Plant Systems	3
ETEC 235	Electrical and Auxiliary Power Plant Systems	3
ETEC 245	Power Plant Protection Systems	3
RPT 299	Cooperative Work Experience -- Occupational	1-4
CHEM 100	Introductory Chemistry	4
COMM 101	Oral Communication	3
MATH 125	College Algebra	3
MATH 130	Trigonometry	3
PHYS 111	Introductory Physics I	4
PHYS 112	Introductory Physics II	4
Total Units		45-48

Program requirements for A.S. in ETEC with Radiation Protection Technology Emphasis:

Required courses:
RPT 103	Radiation Fundamentals	3
RPT 113	Radiation Monitoring	4
ETEC 133	Reactor Systems	3
RPT 223	Radiation Dosimetry	4
RPT 233	Radioactive Materials Handling	3
RPT 243	Radiological Safety and Response	3
RPT 253	Radiation Protection	4
RPT 299	Cooperative Work Experience -- Occupational	1-4
CHEM 100	Introductory Chemistry	4
COMM 101	Oral Communication	3
MATH 125	College Algebra	3
MATH 130	Trigonometry	3
PHYS 111	Introductory Physics I	4
PHYS 112	Introductory Physics II	4
Total Units		46-49

How to Read Course Descriptions

Courses listed in this catalog apply to the fall 2010, spring 2011, and summer 2011 terms. Courses are numbered numerically within alphabetically arranged subject areas.

The bolded first line indicates the official course number, a descriptive title, and the number of units. The next lines indicate prerequisites, corequisites, advisories, repeatability rules, enrollment limitations, UC/CSU credit acceptance, and lecture and lab hours followed by a Taxonomy of Program number in parentheses.

Prerequisites: This is a requirement that must be met before a student can enroll in the course.
Corequisites: This is a course the student must take in the same semester.
Advisories: This is recommended preparation the student is advised but not required to have before or in conjunction with the course.
Repeatability Rules: When a course belongs to a group of related courses, students can complete one course or a combination of courses within the group for a maximum of four completions.
Enrollment Limitations: Some courses place limitations on enrollment. These limitations prevent students from duplicating course work or from enrolling in two sections of the same course in any given semester.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU means the course is accepted for transfer at any California State University (CSU) campus; UC means it is accepted for transfer at any University of California (UC) campus. Some courses can be used to satisfy general education or major requirements while others transfer as elective credit. UC Credit Limitation means credit for the course may have UC transfer restrictions; these restrictions are identified at the end of the course description.
Lecture and Lab Hours: These are the number of hours the course meets for lecture and/or lab per week.
Taxonomy of Program (TOP) Number: The TOP number is identified in parentheses after the lecture and lab hours. This number serves an administrative purpose and is not intended for student use.

The course description summarizes the purpose and key topical areas of the course, and it includes special requirements if any exist. Some course descriptions end with information about whether the course was "formerly" another course, how many times the course may be repeated, if the course is offered pass/no pass, or what the UC credit limitation is.

How to Read Course Descriptions

Courses

ETEC 115: Electrical Sciences

Units: 4
Prerequisites: None
Advisory: MATH 130
Lecture 3 hours, laboratory 3 hours. (0303.00)

This course introduces non-licensed nuclear operator trainees to the fundamentals of electronics and electrical sciences. Students learn the conceptual and mathematical tools necessary to analyze DC and AC circuits that employ various passive and active devices, such as resistors, capacitors, inductors, transistors, and operational amplifiers. Students also apply the theoretical framework of circuit analysis to design and build various working circuits.

ETEC 133: Reactor Systems

Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Lecture 3 hours. (0303.00)

This course provides a broad overview of nuclear reactor plants for radiation protection technician (RPT) and non-licensed nuclear operator trainees. Students learn about the basic components and systems of a reactor plant as well as issues involved with reactor plant materials. The course also provides an introduction to reactor plant protection and safety measures.

ETEC 225: Primary and Secondary Power Plant Systems

Units: 3
Prerequisites: ETEC 133.
Lecture 3 hours. (0303.00)

This course introduces nuclear operator trainees to the primary and secondary systems involved in nuclear power generation. It presents a broad array of topics, including nuclear reactors, steam turbines, and water cooling systems. The course provides a general overview of the mechanisms utilized at nuclear power plants to generate safe and reliable electricity.

ETEC 235: Electrical and Auxiliary Power Plant Systems

Units: 3
Prerequisites: ETEC 225.
Lecture 3 hours. (0303.00)

This course introduces nuclear operator trainees to the electrical and auxiliary systems involved in nuclear power generation. It presents a broad array of topics, including electrical generators, diesel engines, electrical distribution, cooling systems, and radiation waste systems. Students learn how individual power plant systems contribute to the overall goal of safe electrical generation and distribution.

ETEC 245: Power Plant Protection Systems

Units: 3
Prerequisites: ETEC 235.
Lecture 3 hours. (0303.00)

This course introduces nuclear operator trainees to the many protection systems utilized by a power plant. It covers a broad array of topics, including reactor plant protection, actuator signals, containment procedures, cooling systems, and isolation systems. Students learn the vital role that each system plays in the overall protection of a nuclear power plant.