Nuclear Systems, ChNE-314 covered operation and use of advanced energy conversion in space including (a) Thermion ic conversion, (b) Thermoelectric Conversion, and (c) Alkali Metal Thermal-to-Electric Conversion (AMTEC). These energy conversion devices could also be used in conjunction with a nuclear reactor or a radioisotope heat source for the generation of electricity from a few watts to tens and even hundreds of kilowatts for a lunar base or the exploration of the surface of Mars

Introduction in Nuclear Design, ChNE-497. This course addressed the design requirements, materials choices, and the technology of GPHS and nuclear reactors for space power and propulsion, including radiation shield for space nuclear reactor systems.

Capstone Senior Nuclear Engineering Design, ChNE-498L included actual design and optimization tasks of space nuclear reactors and shadow radiation shield. This module addressed the aspects of the nuclear reactor neutronic and thermal hydraulics design and coupling of the nuclear heat source to the energy conversion subsystem. The students also performed actual design computation using advanced neutronics codes that include MCNP and particle transport codes.