Nuclear Engineering Radiation Laboratories
About NERL
The Nuclear Engineering Radiation Laboratories (NERL) at Purdue University are key instructional facilities, supporting hands-on education in nuclear engineering and radiation science. NERL focuses on the measurement science of radiation to build technical fluency with detectors, electronics, shielding, and data analysis.
Purdue’s tradition of laboratory-based nuclear education dates back to the earliest structured nuclear engineering curriculum in the 1960s, shortly after the formal establishment of the Department of Nuclear Engineering. From its beginnings as one of the nation’s early coordinated nuclear engineering programs, Purdue emphasized applied engineering principles and practical training alongside theory. NERL continues that legacy by providing immersive, experience-driven instruction in radiation measurement and experimental methods.
Within a safe, supervised environment, students work directly with sealed radiation sources and modern detection systems. This hands-on approach reinforces classroom learning while developing the technical confidence expected of practicing nuclear engineers. NERL and the reactor PUR-1 complement one another by connecting fundamental radiation measurement training with operating research reactor experience, creating a vertically integrated, hands-on learning pathway for students.
Beyond supporting the Purdue School of Nuclear Engineering’s undergraduate and graduate programs, NERL advances broader educational outreach and collaboration. The laboratory hosts visiting student groups, partners with other institutions through reactor-sharing and instructional initiatives, and provides foundational nuclear training for scientists and engineers transitioning into the nuclear field.
Student Experience
Beginning sophomore year, NERL transforms theory into hands-on experience. Students work directly with radiation sources, detectors, and reactor-based experiments in a structured, safety-focused environment—often describing it as their first truly immersive nuclear engineering experience.
Across the undergraduate curriculum, students complete more than 20 radiation-focused experiments. They design detector circuits, conduct contamination-style surveys, measure reactor parameters, analyze neutron flux in the PUR-1 reactor, and perform experiments such as gold foil activation and simulated fuel loading.
The laboratory sequence includes three core courses:
- NUCL 205: Nuclear Engineering Undergraduate Laboratory I
Sophomore-level introduction to radiation properties, radioactive materials, and detector systems (10–12 experiments).
- NUCL 305: Nuclear Engineering Undergraduate Laboratory II
Senior-level course building on advanced detection methods, reactor measurements, and system analysis (10–12 experiments).
- NUCL 504: Nuclear Engineering Experiments
Introductory graduate lab covering similar topics at greater depth and pace, including advanced reactor simulations.
For many students, this lab solidifies their commitment to nuclear engineering. It also opens pathways to becoming NERL or PUR-1 reactor tour guides, pursuing reactor operator training, and preparing for careers in reactor operations and the broader nuclear industry.
Facility Tours
One of the primary roles NERL plays is education and outreach to the community about nuclear topics. We give approximately 1,500 guided tours of PUR-1, NERL, and other related labs each year. Each experience is tailored to visitor interests and age. During the tour, we traditionally discuss general radiation principles, common natural radiation sources, health effects of radiation, nuclear reactor basics, and of course take a look at Purdue's Nuclear Reactor. All tours are scheduled and confirmed in advance, and all visitors must have a valid ID on hand. Special arrangements and times can be accommodated for large groups.
