Radiation biology, protection and applications

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

Learning Outcomes

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

• Explain the origin ionising radiation and give a few examples of the origin of neutron radiation.
• Explain interactions of ionising radiations in matter.
• Explain biological/health effects of the ionising radiations
• Explain the principles of dosimetry
• Explain population’s exposure and cite exposure levels
• Explain the principles of radiation protection, cite the dose limits
• Explain the concept of risk
• Describe the protection means for external and internal exposure
• Explain radiation shielding and give examples
• Explain the use of radiation in industrial and research applications.
• Explain exposure to the general population and cite exposure levels
• Explain the origin of ionising radiation
• Explain interactions of ionising radiation in matter.
• Explain biological/health effects of the ionising radiation
• Design appropriate radiation shielding for a given source or application

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)

Ressources en bibliothèque

• Physics for Radiation Protection / Martin
• Nuclear and Radiochemistry / Lieser
• Practical Applications of Radioactivity and Nuclear Reactions / Lowenthal

Moodle Link

• https://go.epfl.ch/PHYS-450