PHYS1250
10 units
1000 level
Course handbook
Description
This course develops a foundational knowledge of links between fundamental physics and the vocation-specific instrumentation, radiobiology & radiation protection associated with Medical Radiation Science (MRS). Issues discussed include the physical principles and instrumentation associated with diagnostic radiography, radiation therapy and nuclear medicine, including interaction of radiation with matter and the implications these processes have on image quality and optimised \ treatment planning in clinical practice. The interactions of radiation with matter are also extended to biological systems and their implications, with the concepts of radiation dose and its accurate measurement, radiobiology and radiation protection also discussed.
Availability2024 Course Timetables
Callaghan
- Semester 2 - 2024
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of the course students will be able to:
1. Describe the key steps in how clinical instruments produce ionizing radiation for imaging as well as for radiation therapy treatment.
2. Define how an X-ray beam is characterized (quantity & quality), and explain the different ways these characteristics can be altered in a clinical instrument.
3. Describe the key roles of associated equipment used for producing an image and evaluate their impact on image quality.
4. Describe the biological effect that occurs when radiation interacts with the body.
5. Classify the various different quantities used to describe radiation dose and explain the differences between them.
6. Describe the equipment used for the detection of radiation and identify the key advantages and disadvantages of each different type of equipment.
7. Recall the key principles of radiation protection and connect these to various strategies utilized in practical settings.
8. Demonstrate a practical understanding of working safely with radiation.
9. Analyse relevant clinical information to solve vocation-based imaging, treatment and radiation dose problems in real-time.
Content
Topics will include:
- Production of X-ray beams in diagnostic radiography and radiation therapy
- Characteristics of radiation and manipulation of its properties
- Image quality and methods used to improve image quality
- Radiobiology and the manner radiation interacts with the human body
- Fundamental principles of radiation protection
- Radiation protection procedures utilized in clinical practice
- Radiation dose and its practical measurement in real-world settings
Assumed knowledge
MRSC1010
Assessment items
Tutorial / Laboratory Exercises: Laboratory Experiments
Compulsory Requirement: Submit assessment item - Must submit this assessment to pass the course.
In Term Test: Progressive Tests
Tutorial / Laboratory Exercises: In-Class Tutorial Assessment
Contact hours
Semester 2 - 2024 - Callaghan
Laboratory-1
- Face to Face On Campus 3 hour(s) per week(s) for 2 week(s)
Lecture-1
- Face to Face On Campus 4 hour(s) per week(s) for 9 week(s)
Tutorial-1
- Face to Face On Campus 1 hour(s) per week(s) for 9 week(s)
Course outline
Course outline not yet available.
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.