Units

---

Sample subject outline - Semester 1 2013

Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.

Rationale

Radiation technology is used in many areas of medical and health physics. A knowledge of the mechanisms of interaction of ionising radiation with matter and of measurement techniques for ionising radiation is essential for persons being trained for medical and health physics occupations.

Aims

This unit is designed to give you a good knowledge of radioactivity and the interaction of ionising radiation with matter and a sound knowledge of applied radiation counting techniques and radiation dosimetry in the medical area.

Objectives

On completion of this unit, you should:

1. Understand the basic principles of radioactivity and radioactive decay, and the interactions of ionising radiation with matter.

2. Be familiar with the principles of radiation dosimetry.

3. Be familiar with the principles of a broad range of radiation detectors and dosimeters.

4. Be able to detect and measure radiation and radioactivity using a wide range of practical techniques.

Content

Radioactivity: Stable and unstable nuclei; common modes of decay; radioactive decay laws; decay constant, half-life, mean life, activity, specific activity; measurement of activity, counting efficiency; successive radioactive transformations and radioactive equilibrium; naturally occurring decay series; production of radioisotopes; nuclear reactors.

Interaction with matter: Charged particles - alpha particles; absorption and interaction processes; range curve; specific ionisation (Bragg) curve; stopping power; Interaction of charged particles with matter (continued); Ions, fission fragments and electrons; Interaction of xrays and gamma-rays with matter; Attenuation and build-up; Neutron interactions with matter; Introduction to neutron therapy (briefly).

Radiation detectors: Physical principles. General review of types. Suitable choice of a radiation detector for a particular purpose. Gas-filled radiation detectors. Properties and operating characteristics. Scintillation detectors and semiconductors. Spectroscopy. Thermoluminescent and chemical dosimetry. Measurement techniques. Counting efficiency of detectors. Basic nucleonics. Coincidence and anticoincidence counting. Counting statistics, minimum detectable activity, background considerations, and special techniques.

Radiation dosimetry: chemical dosimetry, film dosimetry, exposure, KERMA, air equivalence, electronic equilibrium. Introduction to Monte Carlo modelling.

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

The coursework will be delivered via lectures and practicals. Attendance at all lectures and practicals is expected and highly recommended. Attendance at practical sessions is necessary to attain a pass mark for practical work.

Assessment

General Assessment Information

A combination of lectures and practical work is given. Emphasis is placed on practical aspects of radiation physics.Marked assessment items will be available for students to view, and in some cases take. Students should approach the appropriate lecturer for each topic

Assessment name: Practicals
Description: The students will attend practicals throughout the semester and submit written reports.
Relates to objectives: All.
Weight: 40%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Ongoing

Assessment name: Examination
Description: Final Exam.
Relates to objectives: All.
Weight: 60%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Central Exam Period

Academic Honesty

QUT is committed to maintaining high academic standards to protect the value of its qualifications. To assist you in assuring the academic integrity of your assessment you are encouraged to make use of the support materials and services available to help you consider and check your assessment items. Important information about the university's approach to academic integrity of assessment is on your unit Blackboard site.

A breach of academic integrity is regarded as Student Misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties.

Resource materials

References:

1. Knoll GF (2000) Radiation Detection and Measurements, John Wiley & Sons

2. Kase KR, Bjarngard B & Attix FH (editors) (1987) The Dosimetry of Ionizing Radiation, Academic Press

3. Cember H (1996) Health Physics, McGraw-Hill

top

Risk assessment statement

The only out-of-the-ordinary risks associated with the unit relate to the practical exercises undertaken in the radioisotope laboratory. You will receive instruction on radiation safety issues and laboratory rules to ensure that exposure to ionising radiation will be negligible.

Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of semester.

Last modified: 19-Oct-2012