Nagpur: Following the Centre’s approval of the ‘Shanti Bill’, Nagpur University has introduced a new certificate course on ‘Radiation Safety and Nuclear Energy’ for science students. The move comes as the approval paves way for private sector participation in the nuclear energy domain, opening up significant employment opportunities in the coming years. The course has been designed by the Postgraduate Department of Physics and is open to BSc and MSc students. NU officials said the initiative aims to prepare students for emerging industry demands, noting that the next five years are expected to see substantial job growth in the nuclear energy sector. The certificate programme was recently conducted under the joint aegis of the department and the Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC). Dr S Murali, a former scientist from Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, served as the chief mentor. He delivered detailed sessions on key topics including sources of radiation, detection techniques, measurement instruments, biological effects, safety principles, and radioactive waste management. The course emphasised both theoretical understanding and practical applications, helping students develop awareness and skills for the safe use of radiation technologies. A total of 72 BSc and MSc students registered for the inaugural batch, out of which 51 students who met attendance requirements successfully completed the course and were awarded certificates by the university. Notably, apart from science students, some professors from deemed universities also participated, aiming to replicate similar courses in their own institutions.Officials said that the curriculum was developed after consultations with subject experts and was widely communicated to science faculty students and affiliated colleges before its launch. The seven-day course will now be conducted every semester. While participation is free of cost, a nominal fee will be charged for examination and certification purposes.
