2011-2012 CATALOG

This is an archived copy of the 2011-2012 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: Carlos Lopez

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:
ETEC 103	Radiation Fundamentals	3
ETEC 113	Radiation Monitoring	4
ETEC 115	Electrical Sciences	4
ETEC 133	Reactor Systems	2
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
ETEC 299	Occupational Cooperative Work Experience	3
or WKEX 233	Cooperative Work Experience -- General
CHEM 100	Introductory Chemistry ^*	4
or CHEM 110	General Chemistry
COMM 101	Oral Communication	3
or COMM 106	Group Communication
or COMM 120	Principles of Human Communication
or COMM 135	Gender Studies in Communication
or COMM 207	Interpersonal Communication
or COMM 212	Argumentation
or COMM 215	Intercultural Communication
or COMM 220	Introduction to Mass Communication
ENGL 100	Composition and Reading	4
MATH 125	College Algebra ^**	3
or MATH 150	Calculus and Analytic Geometry I
MATH 130	Trigonometry ^***	3
PHYS 111	Introductory Physics I ^*	4
or PHYS 151	Principles of Physics I
PHYS 112	Introductory Physics II ^*	4
or PHYS 152	Principles of Physics II
Total Units		50

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

Required courses:
ETEC 103	Radiation Fundamentals	3
ETEC 113	Radiation Monitoring	4
ETEC 133	Reactor Systems	2
ETEC 223	Radiation Dosimetry	4
ETEC 233	Radioactive Materials Handling	3
ETEC 243	Radiological Safety and Response	3
ETEC 253	Radiation Protection	4
ETEC 299	Occupational Cooperative Work Experience	3
or WKEX 233	Cooperative Work Experience -- General
CHEM 100	Introductory Chemistry ^*	4
or CHEM 110	General Chemistry
COMM 101	Oral Communication	3
or COMM 106	Group Communication
or COMM 120	Principles of Human Communication
or COMM 135	Gender Studies in Communication
or COMM 207	Interpersonal Communication
or COMM 212	Argumentation
or COMM 215	Intercultural Communication
or COMM 220	Introduction to Mass Communication
ENGL 100	Composition and Reading	4
MATH 125	College Algebra ^**	3
or MATH 150	Calculus and Analytic Geometry I
MATH 130	Trigonometry ^***	3
PHYS 111	Introductory Physics I ^*	4
or PHYS 151	Principles of Physics I
PHYS 112	Introductory Physics II ^*	4
or PHYS 152	Principles of Physics II
Total Units		51

*	Or a course higher in the subject's sequence.
**	A course equivalent to MATH 150 will meet the requirement for MATH 125 and MATH 130.
***	Or a higher level course with a trigonometry prerequisite.

How to Read Course Descriptions

Courses listed in this catalog apply to the fall 2011, spring 2012, and summer 2012 terms. Courses are numbered numerically within alphabetically arranged subject areas.

The bolded first line begins with a capitalized abbreviation that designates the subject area. This subject-area designator is followed by the official course number and a descriptive title. The next lines indicate the course's unit value, 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 103: Radiation Fundamentals

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

This course presents an overview of the physics and chemistry of radiation and radioactive materials. It describes different radiation applications, their associated radionuclides, context(s) and rationale(s) of use, interactions with matter, shielding and energetics, decay products, and their production in reactors or accelerators. The course includes appropriate mathematics, such as unit conversions and exponentials. (Formerly RPT 103.)

ETEC 113: Radiation Monitoring

Units: 4
Prerequisites: ETEC 103.
Lecture 4 hours. (0303.00)

This course presents scenarios in which radiation protection technicians (RPTs) monitor sources of radiation. The course focuses on the theory and operation of radiation monitors, maintenance and calibration of these systems, proper selection and use of various monitoring systems for evaluation of radioactive hazards, and the interpretation and reporting of such evaluations. In addition to the fundamental science, students learn how to use radiation monitoring equipment in a variety of scenarios. (Formerly RPT 113.)

ETEC 115: Electrical Sciences

Units: 4
Prerequisites: None
Advisory: MATH 130.
Lecture 4 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: 2
Prerequisites: ETEC 103.
Lecture 2 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 223: Radiation Dosimetry

Units: 4
Prerequisites: ETEC 113.
Lecture 3 hours, laboratory 3 hours. (0303.00)

This course introduces radiation protection technicians (RPTs) to the application of radiation dosimetry. It presents scenarios in which RPTs monitor internal and external exposure of personnel to ionizing radiation, such as when performing surveys, whole body counts, and bioassays. The course addresses interpretating these results and techniques for minimization of personnel dose. (Formerly RPT 223.)

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 233: Radioactive Materials Handling

Units: 3
Prerequisites: ETEC 223.
Lecture 3 hours. (0303.00)

This course introduces radiation protection technicians (RPTs)to the procedures and guidelines necessary for safe handling of radioactive materials. Students learn how and when RPTs are required to provide safe control, movement, use, storage, transportation, and disposal of radioactive materials and waste. The course presents realistic workplace scenarios that require an RPT for safe materials handling. (Formerly RPT 233.)

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 243: Radiological Safety and Response

Units: 3
Prerequisites: ETEC 223.
Lecture 3 hours. (0303.00)

This course introduces radiation protection technicians (RPTs) to the procedures and guidelines necessary for ensuring and maintaining radiation doses as low as reasonably achievable (ALARA). Students learn how to minimize radiation exposure for the safety of individuals, the work environment, and the population. The course also covers standard RPT response to abnormal and emergency radiological conditions. (Formerly RPT 243.)

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.

ETEC 253: Radiation Protection

Units: 4
Prerequisites: ETEC 233 and ETEC 243.
Lecture 3 hours, laboratory 3 hours. (0303.00)

This course is a capstone for the radiation protection technician students in the Energy Technology Program. It presents radiation protection problems embedded in different radiation contexts, the majority of which are nuclear power reactor-based. Students solve problems such as providing radiological coverage of jobs and high-risk and low-risk activities (such as outages), planning for protection from hazardous radiation, monitoring of activities in radioactive zones, and responding to emergencies. (Formerly RPT 253.)

ETEC 292: Internship Studies

Units: 0.5-3
Prerequisites: None
Corequisite: Complete 60 non-paid or 75 paid hours of work per unit.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
(0303.00)

This course provides students the opportunity to apply the theories and techniques of their discipline in an internship position in a professional setting under the instruction of a faculty-mentor and site supervisor. It introduces students to aspects of the roles and responsibilities of professionals employed in the field of study. Topics include goal-setting, employability skills development, and examination of the world of work as it relates to the student's career plans. Students must develop new learning objectives and/or intern at a new site upon each repetition. Students may not earn more than 16 units in any combination of cooperative work experience (general or occupational) and/or internship studies during community college attendance.

ETEC 299: Occupational Cooperative Work Experience

Units: 1-8
Prerequisites: None
Corequisite: Employed in a position related to major; complete 60 non-paid or 75 paid hours of work per unit.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
(0303.00)

Cooperative Work Experience is intended for students who are employed in a job directly related to their major. It allows such students the opportunity to apply the theories and skills of their discipline to their position and to undertake new responsibilities and learn new skills at work. Topics include goal-setting, employability skills development, and examination of the world of work as it relates to the student's career plans. Students may not earn more than 16 units in any combination of cooperative work experience (general or occupational) and/or internship studies during community college attendance.