BIPH 6104 - RADIATION PHYSICS AND DOSIMETRY

Course Description

This course will focus on ionizing radiation as the basis for radiation therapy and for many diagnostic imaging studies. The various modes of interaction between ionizing radiations and matter, energy deposition by ionizing radiation in matter; concepts, quantities and units in radiological physics; principles and methods of radiation dosimetry will be addressed. Teaching will consist of lectures, seminars and tutorials in order to provide students with ample opportunities and methods for engaging with the course material. Presentation of lectures will employ a variety of multimedia and interactive presentations. Medical physicists are expected to have an in-depth knowledge of radiation physics and be able to apply the knowledge in a medical environment. This course will familiarize students with the principles associated with the interaction ionizing radiation: photons, electrons, neutrons and charged particles with matter. On the basis of this fundamental knowledge, the different types of dosimetry: photographic, calorimetric, chemical, and thermoluminescence can then be studied. Students will then have the foundation to perform measurement and characterization of radiation; the determination of delivered dose for radiation treatment, monitoring and radiation protection in the medical environment.

Course Content

Overview of nuclear physics. Types of particles: Alpha(α)-, beta(β)-, gamma(γ)-, X-rays, neutrons, charged particles. Ionizing radiations. Man-made and natural sources. Interaction of x-rays, gamma rays, electron with matter. LET concept. Unsealed and sealed radioactive sources used in medicine. Physics of radiation in medical diagnostics, methods and principles for measurement of doses. Equipment associated with measurement of doses. Evaluation of the various types of radiation. Biological consequences of radiation exposure and biological dosimetry methods.

Course Aims

• To deepen knowledge of radiation physics.
• To teach dosimetry methods and principles.
• To train specialists in radiation protection and in medical physics for detection, measurements and shielding from different types of ionizing radiation.
• To introduce legislation for radiation protection in different countries.

Course Learning Outcomes

On completion of this course, the graduates will be able to

1. Determine doses of different types of ionizing radiation
2. Compare and contrast different types of ionizing radiation
3. Use appropriate instruments to measure radiation exposure
4. Perform calculations on shielding for different applications
5. Determine the appropriate shielding for different diagnostic equipment
6. Apply concepts of radiation physics in medicine.

Assessment