University of Sharjah To Set up Three Nuclear Energy Laboratories

University of Sharjah

The University of Sharjah has announced that three nuclear energy laboratories worth Dh7 million will be set up in the university, with the aim of preparing highly qualified human cadres specialised in nuclear power.

The first ever integrated laboratory for students of the undergraduate programme in nuclear engineering will be opened in September, while the other two labs will be opened later, Dr Waleed Mutawalli, Coordinator of the Nuclear Engineering Programme at the university, said.

"The hi-tech engineering laboratories will be fully equipped with sophisticated education and training systems for nuclear engineering students, so as to prepare highly qualified human resources in the field of nuclear engineering and research to meet the growing demand in the UAE, which is heading to expand the peaceful use of nuclear power," Dr Mutawalli said.

The UAE is set to open its first power plant in 2017, one year after the graduation of the first batch of graduates with bachelor’s degree in nuclear engineering from the University of Sharjah, he added.

Dr Mutawalli said the first laboratory to be opened in September will coincide with the beginning of the first semester of the 2014-2015 academic year. The first and second labs will be specialised in handling and measuring radioactive materials, while the third one will be for fourth year students where the students will be exposed to experiments in nuclear reactors, in coordination with international universities.

Dr Mutawalli said that the university is currently importing devices for measuring radiation.

"Since its establishment the university has embraced the approach laid down by His Highness Dr Shaikh Sultan Bin Mohammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, to provide high-quality education by providing highly qualified faculty and administrative members as well as by setting up state-of-the-art teaching and research laboratories, to keep abreast with scientific advancements," he added.

He said that 40 per cent of nuclear engineering students are Emiratis, noting that it is the sole and first of its kind programme to offer a bachelor’s degree in nuclear engineering.

Nuclear engineering is a four-year undergraduate programme, which is designed to prepare engineers in the field of nuclear power in order to meet the country’s growing need for graduates in nuclear engineering.

The university will appoint a Radiation Safety Officer to monitor and control radioactive materials and make sure that all safety standards are applied by students and researchers while working in these labs.