BIPH 6105 - RADIATION BIOLOGY

Course Description

Knowledge of radiation biology and the ability to apply this knowledge in the medical environment is a standard skill of the medical physicist. This course will focus on the interaction of ionizing radiation with DNA and the consequences for cells, tissues, organs, the whole organism and population. On the basis of this fundamental knowledge different methods of radiation therapy and principles of radiation protection will be studied. This will help with developing an understanding of the action of ionizing radiation in living organisms, modification of the action and the possible consequences, determination of optimal dose for radiation treatment, and radiation protection.

Course Content

Introduction to cell biology and molecular genetics. Initial stages of interaction of Ionizing radiations with live matter. Different types of “cell death”. Mathematical models of cell survival. Role of DNA and types of DNA damage. Molecular mechanisms of cell repair systems. Radiation therapy: equipment, principles, methods, problems. Radiation therapy: combined and modern methods. Cell mutation, transformation and carcinogenesis. Lab methods of radiation biology. Radiation protection. Effect of low doses. Non-targeted effects of radiations. Radiation protectors and sensitizers.

Course Aims

Radiation could damage health or help to improve it or treat life threatening diseases. The more knowledge of radiation and it’s interaction with the human body we have, the better and safer will be the use of radiation. In modern life, we cannot avoid using radiation. It has been used in medicine, energy production, food processing, construction, oil/gas industries and even in our homes. The aim of this course is to provide the knowledge of radiation to be used in future jobs. After successful completion of this module the student will be able to safely and effectively use and understand radiation in medical physics and medicine.

Course Learning Outcomes

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

1. demonstrate understanding of LET and RBE radiation protection and radiotherapy.
2. evaluate the type of treatment for various radiation injuries based on the type of radioactive material involved
3. determine cell and organism survival by radiation dose
4. estimate level of radiation-induced cancer and other detrimental effects
5. review recent research in cell/DNA damage and repair

Assessment

Coursework                            100%