Materials and Fuels
Overview
This course introduces the basic concepts of materials science and the critical role material selection plays in nuclear reactors. Learners will also examine how some reactor types use natural uranium whilst others require enriched fuel. They will be able to distinguish between the types, suitability and manufacturing of materials and fuels used in nuclear reactors across Canada.
Suggested prerequisite experience: The Core courses, i.e., Nuclear Fundamentals, Operations Overview, Regulation and Safety, and Nuclear in Society.
The time commitment for course completion is approximately 5 to 7.5 hours.
Who should attend?
- Mid-career professionals seeking to transition into the nuclear industry using transferable skills from adjacent sectors.
- Professionals from engineering, energy, manufacturing, construction, operations, or project management backgrounds looking for a structured entry point into nuclear.
- Individuals already working in the nuclear sector who want to build a foundational, cross-functional understanding of systems, roles, and operations beyond their current department.
- Professionals seeking a strong foundation in nuclear systems, safety culture, and regulatory expectations before progressing into employer-specific or role-based training.
- Career changers and trained professionals aiming to position themselves for nuclear workforce opportunities.
What you'll learn
Learners will be able to understand and differentiate between the types, suitability and manufacturing of materials and fuels used in nuclear reactors in Canada.
Course information
- Schedule
- Course structure
- Fees, discounts and registration
- Online delivery
- Policies
- Continuing Education Units
Spring 2026
| Materials and Fuels | Monday, April 20 to Friday, July 3, 2026 | midnight to 11:59 p.m. |
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Self-directed and self-paced
This course is self-directed and self-paced.
This micro-credential course will be delivered fully online with no scheduled lectures. Learners must complete the course independently, within the given timeframe.
Facilitator support
This offering is supported by a facilitator who is available to answer learner inquiries and provide feedback on assessments. Learners will have two chances to successfully complete each assessment by the specified deadline(s), after receiving feedback from the facilitator.
Spring 2026
| Registration fee | Registration status |
|---|---|
| $249 CAD + HST |
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Discounts
The Alumni/Staff Discount applies to registration in this program/course.
If you are alumni or staff, contact continuouslearning@ontariotechu.ca with your Student/Banner ID before registering for details about how to apply this discount.
Registration
You can register for this course through the secure online registration form. All course fees must be paid at the time of registration.
Online delivery
This offering may include, but is not limited to:
- Content presentations and/or videos;
- Hands-on exercises;
- Case discussions and simulations;
- Individual work (assignments/quizzes);
- Concept and topic discussions; and
- Topic reflections.
This is an open enrolment offering.
Those completing Ontario Tech University Continuous Learning open enrolment offerings (e.g. certificate programs, courses, workshops, microcertifications, etc.) are subject to the policies of Ontario Tech University and Continuous Learning. Ontario Tech policies can be found in the Policy library. Continuous Learning policies can be found in the Regulations section of the Continuous Learning website. Specifically, those completing open enrolment offerings are expected to adhere to the General and Open enrolment regulations.
Ontario Tech University – Continuous Learning assigns Continuing Education Units (CEUs) to eligible offerings. CEUs are awarded under the Ontario Tech University – Continuous Learning (CL) Framework for Awarding Continuing Education Units (CEUs) and Professional Development Hours Reference Standards.
CEUs are provided to support professional development reporting. They do not constitute accreditation or certification by an external licensing or regulatory body. Recognition and acceptance of CEUs are determined solely by the policies of individual employers, professional associations, or professional regulatory organizations.
Requirements
- Admissions
- Course completion
- Technology requirements
- Micro-credentials and digital badges
- OSAP for micro-credentials
While open to all, this offering targets a cluster of engineering and technical roles that require overlapping technical and professional skill sets. Courses are specifically tailored to provide maximum benefits to both working professionals and individuals in career transition.
To successfully complete the course, you must:
- Register and make full payment for the course; and
- Successfully complete all components of the course by the specified due date(s).
Learners will receive a digital badge for individual course completion.
Please note: The course runs from April 20, 2026 to July 3, 2026; with registration remaining open until May 20, 2026. While late registration is available, learners must complete the course by the listed course end date, regardless of the date they registered.
Technology requirements
Online learning requirements:
- Computer or device with internet access
- Stable internet or data connection
- Microphone*
- Webcam*
- Audio device (examples: speakers, headphones/earbuds, headset)
*Optional
Material requirements
There are no additional materials required.
A micro-credential is a digitally-recorded recognition of a specific skill. It is a portable communication tool that represents evidence of your skills for employers, educators, and peers. Micro-credentials are created with industry, so you can be assured that the skills you are learning are in demand and current.
Learn more about micro-credentials and digital badges on the Learning Innovation website.
OSAP for Micro-credentials is available for eligible students taking a ministry-approved micro-credential that is less than 12 weeks. To be eligible for OSAP for Micro-credentials, a student must be a Canadian citizen, a permanent resident, or a protected person; and, be a resident of Ontario. A step-by-step guide on how to apply for OSAP for Micro-credentials is available here.
For more information please visit the OSAP website at www.ontario.ca/OSAP.
Please note: Participation in the Nuclear Career Accelerator program and/or courses does not guarantee employment upon completion, as hiring decisions are made by individual employers. Some roles may require Site Access Security Clearance (SASC) and/or a Criminal Record Name Check (CRNC), depending on the employer and position. These requirements are determined by employer-specific processes in line with CNSC regulations.