Radiation biology, protection and applications

PHYS-450 / 4 credits

Teacher(s): Damet Jerome, Grilj Veljko, Pakari Oskari Ville

Language: English

Summary

This is an introductory course in radiation physics that aims at providing students with a foundation in radiation protection and with information about the main applications of radioactive sources/substances in the industry. The course includes presentations, lecture notes and problem sets.

Content

Radioactivity and interactions of ionising radiation in matter
Health effects of ionising radiation
Dosimetry and population exposure
Space radiation dosimetry
Operational radiation protection: Sources, Shielding, Calculations
Internal and external exposure to radionuclides and radiation
Emergency dosimetry and extreme radiological events
International nuclear safeguards
Industrial applications: food irradiation, radioisotope batteries, radiation imaging, etc.
Applications in research: dosimetry for radiotherapy, metrology, etc.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course, the student must be able to:

Explain the origin of ionising radiation
Explain interactions of ionising radiation in matter.
Explain biological/health effects of the ionising radiation
Explain the principles of dosimetry
Explain exposure to the general population and cite exposure levels
Explain the principles of radiation protection, cite the dose limits
Describe the protection means for external and internal exposure
Explain the use of radiation in industrial and research applications.
Design appropriate radiation shielding for a given source or application
Contextualise extreme radiological events

Assessment methods

Written, Multiple Choice Question exam

Resources

Bibliography

Handouts will be distributed

James E. Martin, "Physics for Radiation Protection", Wiley-VCH (2nd edition, 2006)
G.C. Lowenthal, P.L. Airey, "Practical Applications of Radioactivity and Nuclear Reactions", Cambridge University Press (2001)
K.H. Lieser, "Nuclear and Radiochemistry", Wiley-VCH (2nd edition, 2001)