The field in which nuclear scientists work covers a broad range of activities, from designing and monitoring nuclear power plants to developing medicines and equipment. The work is seldom routine and calls for a high degree of original thought. It is also highly complex, entailing the use of very sophisticated electronic equipment and computer-controlled systems.
The work of nuclear scientists includes basic and applied research in nuclear physics and chemistry, radiation physics and biophysics, medical physics, health physics and nuclear energy.
They work with the production of radioactive isotopes (radioisotopes) by means of nuclear reactors or large accelerators. It is the responsibility of nuclear scientists to determine the most suitable nuclear reaction with the minimum amount of unwanted radioactivity.
Radioisotopes can be used in:
Degree: BSc degree majoring in Physics and Chemistry or Physics and Mathematics.
Post-graduate study: BSc Honours degree specialising in Physics, Chemistry or other relevant fields. An MSc or PhD is recommended, especially for a career in research - e.g. NWU, UNISA, UJ, NMMU, UZ.