MRSC2580

Nuclear Medicine Instrumentation IIB

Faculty of Health and Medicine School of Health Sciences

10 Units 2000 Level Course

Available in 2014

Callaghan Campus	Semester 2

Previously offered in 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008

This course discusses the principles and operation of equipment used in nuclear medicine.

Objectives

At the completion of this course, radiation therapy students shall be able to:

At the completion of this course, nuclear medicine students shall be able to:
1. Describe the atomic structure
2. Discuss radioactive decay
3. Relate the interaction mechanisms to nuclear medicine imaging
4. Describe the type and use of detectors used in the nuclear medicine department
5. Discuss the need and use of windowing
6. Explain the construction and operation of the gamma camera
7. Explain the construction and operation of SPECT; PET and PET/CT
8. Discuss the characteristics of radiopharmaceuticals
9. Describe the production of radiopharmaceuticals
10. Discuss nuclear medicine quality assurance procedures
11. Describe image quality in nuclear medicine
12. Understand radiation Dosimetry terms
13. Discuss radiation protection principles and dose reduction methods

Content

This course will include the following items:

1. Basic atomic structure and radioactivity
a. Atomic structure
b. Isotopes
c. Radioactivity

2. Statistics and mathematics of nuclear decay
a. Normal distribution
b. Poisson statistics
c. Decay calculations [exponential]

3. Interactions between radiation and Matter
a. Coherent scattering
b. Photoelectric effect & characteristic radiation
c. Compton scattering
d. Pair Production
e. Relative Importance of Interaction types
f. Attenuation

4. Measurement of radiation and radioactivity
a. Detector types
b. Detector geometry & efficiency
c. Pulse-height analysis & energy spectra

5. Imaging systems
a. Gamma camera
b. Single photon emission computed tomography
c. Positron emission tomography
d. Hybrid PET & PET/CT systems

6. Radiopharmaceuticals
a. Desirable characteristics
b. Radionuclide production

7. Image Quality
a. Contrast
b. Resolution
c. Noise
d. Geometrical considerations
e. Artifacts

8. Quality Assurance
a. Overview and rationale for QC tests in Nuclear Medicine
b. Radiopharmaceutical Integrity
c. Dose calibrator
d. Gamma camera
e. Computer image processing

9. Radiation Protection & Dosimetry
a. Radiation Effects
b. Risk Assessment
c. Principles of Radiation Protection
d. Dose Quantities
e. Measurement of Dose
f. Dose Reduction Methods

Transition

Transitional arrangements will be done on a case-by-case basis. It is estimated that only 2-3 students will need transition between the old and new course.

Industrial Experience

Assumed Knowledge

MRSC2501: MRS Instrumentation IIA

Modes of Delivery

Flexible Delivery / Student Centred Learning
Internal Mode

Teaching Methods

Lecture
Integrated Learning
Self Directed Learning
Tutorial

Assessment Items

Examination: Formal	Radioactivity, Interactions & Measuring Systems Exam: Format: A series of questions, which may comprise MCQ, T/F and short answer questions This examination assesses objectives 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5 Time: Week 3
Examination: Formal	Imaging Systems Exam: format: A series of questions, which may comprise MCQ, T/F and short answer questions This examination assesses objectives 6 & 7 Time: Week 10
Examination: Formal	QA, IQ, Radiation Protection & Dosimetry Examination: format: A series of questions, which may comprise MCQ, T/F and short answer questions This examination assesses objectives 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 & 13 Time: Week 13
Online Learning Activities	Student are required to read articles on Quality Assurance in Nuclear Medicine. They are then required to post onto BB, the 5 moost important things that they learnt from the readings.
Other: (please specify)	In order to pass this course, the student must obtain at least an average of 50% and a minimum of 40% in any assessment.

Contact Hours

Tutorial: for 1 hour(s) per Week for Full Term
Lecture: for 4 hour(s) per Week for Full Term

Compulsory Components

Requisite by Enrolment	This course is only available to students enrolled in the Bachelor of Medical Radiation Science (Nuclear Medicine)
Compulsory Program Component	Must have completed PHYS1250.

Timetables