TEI Piraeus students' knowledge on the beneficial applications of nuclear physics: Nuclear energy, radioactivity - consequences

TL;DR

This study assesses Greek undergraduate students' understanding of nuclear physics applications, revealing misconceptions and highlighting the limited effectiveness of current education compared to media and internet sources.

Contribution

First empirical evaluation of Greek students' knowledge on nuclear issues, identifying misconceptions and the need for improved educational strategies.

Findings

Students hold faulty views on nuclear energy and radioactivity.

Media and internet are primary information sources over education.

Educational system's effectiveness is limited in conveying nuclear physics knowledge.

Abstract

The recent nuclear accident in Japan revealed the confusion and the inadequate knowledge of the citizens about the issues of nuclear energy, nuclear applications, radioactivity and their consequences In this work we present the first results of an ongoing study which aims to evaluate the knowledge and the views of Greek undergraduate students on the above issues. A web based survey was conducted and 131 students from TEI Piraeus answered a multiple choice questionnaire with questions of general interest on nuclear energy, nuclear applications, radioactivity and their consequences. The survey showed that students, like the general population, have a series of faulty views on general interest nuclear issues. Furthermore, the first results indicate that our educational system is not so effective as source of information on these issues in comparison to the media and internet