HONR228Q: Nuclear Physics and Society

Required textbooks

Albert B. Reynolds: Bluebells and Nuclear Energy; Cogito Books, Madison, Wisconsin (1996).

This is an excellent book, written for elementary and middle school science teachers, so understanding the material does not require a great background in either science or mathematics. On the other hand, it contains a wealth of information regarding the scientific arguments for nuclear reactors, nuclear power, and the safety thereof. Albert Reynolds is a retired Professor of Nuclear Engineering with enormous understanding of the field as well as unusual ability to communicate with people who have limited technical knowledge. You will have to read the book to find out why Professor Reynolds makes reference to bluebells.

Darrell Huff: How to Lie with Statistics; W. W. Norton, 43rd printing!!

In addition to containing an enormous amount of information about statistics, this wonderful book is filled with quaint references to $600 new cars and other artifacts of the bygone era in which it was written (the 1950s). Next to actual knowledge of nuclear physics, statistics is the single most important subject in which ignorance and confusion lead to both incorrect information and wrong conclusions. This book contains innumerable examples of the correct, the misleading, and the grossly outrageous use of statistics. Sort of how statistics is used in analysis of a large number of issues related to nuclear physics. Read it like a novel and ENJOY!