2.29902 RADIATION SCIENCE

This course is designed to introduce students to the most essential concepts of radiation science. Students are taught the principles of quantum mechanics including; atomic structures, electron and nuclear transitions and disintegrations that not only lead to x- and gamma ray emissions, but also other particulate radiations such as alpha and beta particles. Electromagnetic (EM) radiation and other concepts relating to the nature of x- and gamma rays, their properties and why they are so useful in medicine are also included. As these forms of radiation are ionizing in nature, students also get to learn the essentials of radiobiology and radioprotection in relation to the safety required when dealing with these forms of ionizing radiation. Course duration is one semester.

Contact hours: 6 hours per week (2 lecturers, 2 tutorials, 2 lab sessions)

Assessment: Tests, assignment, Presentations (60%), final exam (40%).

Text:

Curry, Dowdy, Murry (1990) Christensens Physics of Diagnostic Radiology

Lea and Febiger, Carter, (1994) Chesney's equipment for student radiographers, Blackwell

Hay & Hughes, First year physics for radiographers, Bailliere Tindall, 1903;

Busberg, J.T. (1994) The Essential Physics of Medical Imaging, Williams and Wilkins, Baltimore