Nuclear physics has two-fold applications that are or might be very relevant and crucial for world peace and sustainable development. In this paper, we report the main results of a research study with first-year undergraduate physics students. The study was about the scientific literacy of the students about fundamental concepts and knowledge of nuclear physics. The required knowledge is part of the curriculum for general education of the tenth and twelfth grade. We have used two newspaper articles that were adapted for this study and followed by a number of open-type questions. One article discusses the new thermonuclear reactor for hydrogen fusion that is going to be constructed in the French town Cantaras; the other article is about depleted uranium, the nuclear waste and its dangers for human health. We analyze and comment on the results, that are judged disappointing, and make suggestions for improved instruction.