The Faculty of Nuclear Sciences and Physical Engineering (FNSPE) of the Czech Technical University in Prague represents a relatively young and dynamic teaching and research centre orientated towards the border areas between modern science and its application to technology. The teaching programme is based on a thorough knowledge of mathematical methods as well as experimental and theoretical physics and chemistry. Progressively, it is directed towards the engineering applications of these sciences, the individual participation of students in various research projects being the main educational principle of the Faculty. Such a system enables the graduates to adapt easily to broadly orientated research teamwork, switch to the needed areas of scientific and industrial R & D projects and be prepared for developments in future technology. Thematically, teaching and research at the Faculty covers applied nuclear sciences (reactor physics and technique, dosimetry, radiation applications, protection and safety, nuclear chemistry), physics in modern technology (quantum electronics and laser techniques, solid state and material research) and the rapidly developing branches of mathematical and software engineering.

The Faculty was established in 1955, as part of the Charles University, Prague (founded in 1348), but in 1959 became a new special faculty of the Czech Technical University (founded in 1707). Its establishment was at the beginning of a new era of the peaceful use of nuclear energy. A complex approach to all nuclear branches was intended, so specialists from both universities, technological institutions and industry were brought together to comply with this task. Later, newly developed areas of physics application, e.g. plasma and solid state physics, lasers, cosmic research etc. were included in the Faculty curricula. The characteristics of the Faculty activities developed during its history, and the most advanced areas of technological progress have always attracted its attention. Gifted students with a special interest in mathematics were taught individually and subsequently the study of mathematical engineering was established.

FNSPE consists of nine departments (Mathematics, Physics, Languages, Solid State Engineering, Physical Electronics, Materials, Nuclear Chemistry, Dosimetry and Application of Ionizing Radiation, Nuclear Reactors), Centre of Software Engineering in Economy, several laboratories (Microtron, Training Nuclear Reactor, Computational), the Central Faculty Library with an Audio-Visual Section, Central Workshop and other services. The Academic staff, both teachers and scientists, number about 90 and the supporting staff 92. As a rule, the scientific and research staff are engaged in teaching, especially supervising the students' research projects and giving special courses.

The Department of Nuclear Reactors

The Department of Nuclear Reactors instructs students in the branch of Nuclear Engineering. Within the Bachelor's Degree programme the department provides instruction in nuclear facilities and nuclear reactor theory and engineering. The Master's Degree programme concentrates on physics, nuclear reactor engineering and nuclear power engineering and its environmental impact. Within the Doctoral Degree programme (Ph.D.) the postgraduate students specialize in theoretical and experimental reactor physics, nuclear safety, applied nuclear physics, and environmental impact of nuclear energy.Theoretical teaching is complemented in the Department by training in laboratories and at the VR-1 training reactor.