European Master of Science in Nuclear Applications – (M.Sc.)

Program Description
While most people are aware of nuclear energy, many other uses of atomic nuclei, their constituents and radiations have not yet come to public attention. This is somewhat surprising as we all benefit from these technologies in our daily lives as they improve our quality of living. Nuclear techniques are presently being used in fields as diversified as agriculture, aerospace engineering, medicine, biotechnology, chemical engineering, power generation, material science, metallurgy, and nanotechnology, in addition to biogeochemistry.

Radiotracer investigations have set (and still do) the fundaments of our understanding of the basic reactions in living cells. Major parts of the development of new drugs are performed with the aid of radioactive labeled compounds. In medicine, radiopharmaceuticals help to discover and differentiate diseases as well as to cure them (e.g., diseases of the thyroid, cancer). Basic principles in biotechnology have been investigated and are still being tested with nuclear methods. In agriculture, optimum use of fertilizers and plant protecting agents are established by radiotracer investigations.

The impact of radioactive materials on the environment has been a major field of investigation for many decades, including nuclear waste management and safe disposal of such materials. Nuclear probes are used in the search for new materials designed for special properties and are used in production and quality control. The widespread use of computers and cellular phones would not be possible without high quality silicon chips that are tested this way. The number of nuclear analytical procedures is large.

A recent survey of industries and research centers using nuclear technology shows that there will be increasing demand in the coming decade to hire people skilled in nuclear techniques.

University
The FH Aachen / University of Applied Sciences, Jülich Campus, has already realized the importance of training students in nuclear applications. It was one of the first academic institutions in Germany to offer a Master's program to accomodate the demand of industries and public employers. The program "European Master of Science in Nuclear Applications" (EMiNA) was launched in March 2003. The program is designed to educate approximately 30 students per year in applications of nuclear techniques, with the emphasis on practical application of scientific principles. In addition to normal coursework, students are required to complete internships, providing them with the real life experience they need to get a head start in industry.

The teaching of nuclear science and applied technology at the Bachelor's level at the FH Aachen / University of Applied Sciences dates back almost four decades. A total of 8000 students in eight departments with 280 professors make the FH Aachen one of the largest universities of applied sciences in Germany. The close proximity of the campus to some of the major nuclear research centers in Europe and the high esteem with which the alumni are treated by industry and public employers encouraged the FH Aachen to start the EMiNA program.