Nuclear Policy 2751-PL-S2-PE-PA

The "Nuclear Policy" course focuses on analyzing the role of nuclear energy in shaping states' domestic and international policies, with particular emphasis on its impact on energy security, geopolitics, and international relations.

Students learn about the historical development of nuclear programs, key international treaties (e.g., the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT)), the role of organizations such as the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), and contemporary challenges related to nuclear proliferation and nuclear technologies. The course also examines the impact of nuclear energy on the environment, the economy, and public debate, including ethical and social issues related to nuclear energy.

During the course, students analyze real-world cases such as the nuclear programs of Iran and North Korea, and the energy policies of France and Japan, and discuss the role of nuclear energy in energy transition in the context of climate change. The course combines theoretical and practical approaches, enabling students to develop analytical skills and critical thinking.

Class 1. History and Development of Nuclear Energy
The Beginnings of Nuclear Energy Research – From Enrico Fermi to the First Power Plants
The Development of Nuclear Energy in the 20th Century – Key Technologies and the First Reactors
The USA as a Pioneer

Class 2. Nuclear Energy Policy Around the World
The Role of Nuclear Energy in the Energy Mix of Various Countries (France, Japan, China, Germany)

Class 3. Safety and Regulation in Nuclear Energy
Safety Standards in Nuclear Power Plants
Radioactive Waste Management Policy
Modern Technologies Enhancing Reactor Safety

Class 4. Nuclear Energy, Climate Policy, and the Economy
Nuclear Energy as a Part of the Fight Against Climate Change – Is This the Solution of the Future?
Costs of Building and Operating Nuclear Power Plants – A Comparison with Renewable Energy Sources and Fossil Fuels

Class5: The Future of Nuclear Energy in Poland and Around the World
Polish Plans to Build Nuclear Power Plants – Current Status and Prospects
Political and Social Challenges Related to the Development of Nuclear Energy in Poland

Total student workload

Total 2 ECTS points – 51 hours 1. Contact with the teacher – 25.5 hours a) Classes – 15 hours Participation in 5 classes of 3 hours each. Student activity is assessed during classes in the form of "plus points" (maximum 1 plus point per class), according to the final assessment principles: Making substantive contributions, asking questions, and collaborating in groups. b) Face-to-face/online/email consultations – 10 hours Discussion of class results and preparation for the colloquium and oral presentation. Option to correct failed exams or absences. c) Discussion of colloquium results – 0.5 hour Brief summary of results and indication of areas requiring repetition or additional analysis. 2. Individual student work – 25.5 hours a) Preparation for classes – 15 hours Reading of required literature and materials specified by the instructor. Analyzing the lecture content and preparing substantive questions and comments for class discussions. b) Preparing an oral presentation – 5 hours Developing a paper topic in accordance with substantive and formal requirements: good speaking skills, relevant sources, and a multimedia presentation (optional). c) Preparing for the colloquium – 5.5 hours Reviewing the lecture material and required literature. Solving sample open-ended questions. Analyzing and consolidating the knowledge needed to achieve a high grade on the colloquium.

Learning outcomes - knowledge

W_1: The student has in-depth knowledge of the role of nuclear energy in national energy policies and its impact on international relations and global security – K_W01. W_2: The student is familiar with the historical and contemporary determinants of nuclear policy, including the development of nuclear programs, international treaties, and regulatory organizations (e.g., IAEA) – K_W04. W_3: The student understands the interplay between nuclear policy and geopolitics, including great-power rivalry in the context of nuclear technologies and nuclear weapons proliferation – K_W03.

Learning outcomes - skills

U_1: The student can analyze and interpret political decisions regarding nuclear energy in the context of national and global interests – K_U01. U_2: The student can critically evaluate states' nuclear policy strategies and their impact on energy and international security – K_U04. U_3: The student can apply theoretical knowledge to analyze real-world cases, such as nuclear crises or international negotiations regarding proliferation – K_U03. U_4: The student can prepare and present a political analysis regarding the role of nuclear energy in selected countries or regions – K_U06.

Learning outcomes - social competencies

K_1: The student is aware of the complexity of issues related to nuclear policy and understands the need to continually expand knowledge in this area – K_K01. K_2: The student is able to formulate and justify positions in debates regarding nuclear energy, taking into account ethical, political, and social aspects – K_K02. K_3: The student demonstrates responsibility in analyzing and evaluating nuclear policies, taking into account their long-term consequences for society and the environment – K_K04.

Teaching methods

Working with source literature

Observation/demonstration teaching methods

- simulation (simulation games)

Expository teaching methods

- description
- informative (conventional) lecture

Exploratory teaching methods

- expert panels
- points system

Online teaching methods

- games and simulations

Type of course

elective course

Prerequisites

None

Course coordinators

Mariusz Popławski

Assessment criteria

The final grade is determined as the arithmetic mean of two partial grades:

Activity in class (50% of the final grade)

The grade is awarded based on the number of "plus points" for activity during the semester.

A student can receive a maximum of one "plus point" for each activity.
Activity is assessed according to the following criteria:

making a substantive contribution to the discussion,

asking questions that deepen the topic,

presenting interesting examples or references to literature,

collaboration in task groups and projects. Grading scale based on the number of plus points (for 5 classes):
5.0 (very good) – 5 plus points
4.5 (good plus) – 4 plus points
4.0 (good) – 3 plus points
3.5 (sufficient plus) – 2 plus points
3.0 (sufficient) – 1 plus point
2.0 (unsatisfactory/fail) – 0 plus points

Written Test (50% of the final grade)
The test takes place during the last class and covers lecture content and required reading.
Format: four open-ended questions requiring independent analysis and application of knowledge from the literature. Grading scale based on test scores (with a maximum of 20 points):
5.0 (very good) – 18–20 points
4.5 (good plus) – 16–17 points
4.0 (good) – 14–15 points
3.5 (sufficient plus) – 12–13 points
3.0 (sufficient) – 10–11 points
2.0 (unsatisfactory/failure) – 0–9 points

Additional notes:
The arithmetic mean is calculated to two decimal places and then rounded according to standard academic practice.

A student who receives a failing grade in one section cannot receive credit for the course, even if the other section is graded very good.

In addition, students can improve their final grade by:
outstanding contribution to class discussions,
preparing an oral presentation of high quality in terms of content and formal presentation.

Practical placement

None

Bibliography

Zajęcia nr 1
Ewa Kaczorowska, Adrian Bożydar Knyziak, Historia odkrycia promieniotwórczości, „Metrologia. Biuletyn Głównego Urzędu Miar” 2011, nr 2, vol. 6, s. 20–30.
James Chater, A History of Nuclear Power, "Focus on Nuclear Power Generation" 2004, s. 28–36.
Samuel Walker, A Short History of Nuclear Regulation, 1946–2009, U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Washington, D.C. 2010.
Zajęcia nr 2
Niemcy: Piotr Zariczny, Niemiecka polityka energetyczna między ruchami społecznymi, politycznym pragmatyzmem, a geopolityką, "Athenaeum. Polskie Studia Politologiczne" 2014, nr 42, s. 172–194.
Francja: Tomasz Młynarski, Rola energetyki jądrowej w zapewnieniu bezpieczeństwa energetycznego Francji, w: Bezpieczeństwo międzynarodowe. Aspekty polityczne i ekonomiczno-społeczne, red. M. Pietraś, Wydawnictwo Uniwersytetu Marii Curie-Skłodowskiej, Lublin 2014, s. 131–144.
Japonia: Krzysztof Rzymkowski, Energetyka jądrowa Japonii po katastrofie w elektrowni Fukushima Daiichi, "Postępy Techniki Jądrowej" 2016, t. 59, z. 1, s. 34–39.
Chiny: Piotr Leśny, Energetyka jądrowa… po chińsku, "Postępy Techniki Jądrowej" 2019, t. 62, z. 4, s. 20–24.
Zajęcia nr 3
Jacek Bartoszcze, 20. rocznica awarii w Czarnobylu, Narodowe Centrum Badań Jądrowych, Otwock 2006. https://www.ncbj.edu.pl/zasoby/awarie/20_rocznica_czarnobyla.pdf
Grzegorz Niewiński, Michał Stępień, Energetyka jądrowa. Bezpieczna technologia czy zagrożenie dla ludzkości?, "Nierówności Społeczne a Wzrost Gospodarczy" 2019, nr 1(57), s. 288–303.
Łukasz Młynarkiewicz, Podstawowe zasady systemu ochrony przed promieniowaniem jonizującym Międzynarodowej Agencji Energii Atomowej w polskim prawie atomowym, Prawo i więź, nr 4(47) zima 2024, s. 707–732. https://www.prawoiwiez.edu.pl/index.php/piw/article/view/722/540
Zajęcia nr 4
Jan Kowalski, Wpływ energetyki jądrowej na redukcję emisji CO₂, Elżbieta Mreńca, Stanisław Gawłowski (red.), Energetyka jądrowa a ochrona klimatu: wybrane zagadnienia, Wydawnictwo Senackie, Warszawa 2023, s. 15–34.
Anna Nowak, Bezpieczeństwo energetyczne a rozwój technologii jądrowych, Wpływ energetyki jądrowej na redukcję emisji CO₂, Elżbieta Mreńca, Stanisław Gawłowski (red.), Energetyka jądrowa a ochrona klimatu: wybrane zagadnienia, Wydawnictwo Senackie, Warszawa 2023, s. 35–58.
Zajęcia nr 5
Mirosław Sobolewski, Perspektywy energetyki jądrowej, "Infos: zagadnienia społeczno-gospodarcze" 2023, nr 1(303), s. 1–4.
Raport, Energetyka jądrowa w Polsce. Ocena gotowości do budowy pierwszej elektrowni, Polityka Insight, Baker McKenzie, Warszawa 2025.

Additional information

Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system:

Description of 2751-PL-S2-PE-PA in USOSweb