PAM1014 Introduction to Radiation Physics

2010-2011

Code: PAM1014
Level: 1
Title: Introduction to Radiation Physics
Instructors: Dr S.M. Strawbridge
CATS Credit Value: 10
ECTS Credit Value: 5
Pre-requisites: N/A
Co-requisites: N/A
Duration: M1-M11
Availability: Programme B821 only
Background Assumed: GCSE Maths or equivalent
Directed Study Time: 20 hours
Private Study Time: 69 hours
Assessment Tasks Time: 11 hours

Aims

Students will develop essential mathematical skills and gain knowledge of the essential science underpinning the various radiation imaging modalities. The module further aims to provide introductory knowledge of radiation biology and physics, sufficient for the students to subsequently appreciate the legislative framework which is introduced, of justification, optimisation and limitation in control of ionising radiations.

Intended Learning Outcomes

Students should be able to:

Module Specific Skills

describe matter at the atomic level;
represent the electromagnetic spectrum at an essential level;
describe key features of atomic spectra and interactions of photons with matter;
describe basic features of DC circuits;
explain the scope of applications of ionising radiation in medicine;
describe how radiation imparts damage to tissue and how the energy imparted is quantified;
describe the legislative framework and local rules for safe working with ionising radiation;

Discipline Specific Skills

display mathematical skills sufficient to support Stage-one work;
use appropriate sources of information to develop own knowledge;

Personal and Key Skills

manage time and, with guidance, prioritise workloads;
demonstrate basic problem-solving skills;
work cooperatively.

Learning / Teaching Methods

Lectures (14×1hour) and practical work (6 hours); directed background reading; e-learning resources.

Parts of the module will use components from the FLAP (Flexible Learning Approach to Physics) teaching resource distributed during the year. Each module component consists of a fast track and a normal track, a module-component summary, and an exit test. The fast track is first worked through and then the exit test attempted. If difficulties arise, the normal track is worked through.

Students are required to work to weekly deadlines for the completion of homework and must therefore develop appropriate coping strategies. In particular, it will be necessary for them to work consistently through the week and manage their time carefully. Students are encouraged to discuss homework problems with each other. Hence they have the opportunity to work co-operatively and exploit each other as a learning resource.

Assignments

Coursework Exercises (5×2hour, deadlines in M4, M5, M7, M8, M9).

Assessment

Five 2-hour coursework assignments (50%), 30-minute test (20%, week M6), 30-minute test (20%, week M10), six hours of practical work (10%).

Syllabus Plan and Content

Mathematical skills
1. Numbers, physical quantities, symbols and units.
2. Operations: fractions; powers, roots, reciprocals, etc..
3. Areas and volumes: standard shapes and solids.
4. Equations: simplifying, rearranging and solving.
5. Graphs and functions, cartesian and polar coordinates, 2D and 3D.
Physics concepts
1. Molecules, atoms, nuclei, electrons, ions.
2. Size of atoms, atomic mass, isotopes.
3. Electromagnetic spectrum, photons.
4. X-ray production: Bremsstrahlung and characteristic radiation
5. Radioactive decay: alpha- , beta-, and gamma-decay.
6. DC circuits: current, voltage, resistance, energy and power.
7. Overview of digital electronics: bits and ADC.
Radiation, radiation protection and dosimetry
1. Overview of ionising radiation in diagnosis and therapy.
2. X-ray interaction: Rayleigh scattering, photoelectric effect, Compton scattering, and pair production.
3. Basic radiobiology.
4. Radiation dose, radiation units.
5. Dosimetry: practical devices, including personnel monitoring.
6. Overview of legislation and regulations for radiation protection:

Core Text

Graham D.T. and Cloke P. (2003), Principles of Radiological Physics (4^th edition), Churchill Livingstone, ISBN 0-443-07073-3 (UL: 610.28 GRA)

Supplementary Text(s)

Dowsett D.J., Kenny P.A. and Johnston R.E. (2006), The Physics of Diagnostic Imaging (2^nd edition), Hodder Arnold, ISBN 0-340-80891-8 (UL: 610.28 DOW)
The Health & Safety Commission (2000), Work with Ionising Radiation. Ionising Radiations Regulations 1999: Approved Code of Practice and Guidance, HSE Books, ISBN 0-7176-1746-7 (UL: 539.722 GRE/X)
Department of Health (2000), The Ionising Radiation (Medical Exposure) Regulations 2000, The Stationery Office, ISBN 0-11-099131-1 (UL: 539.722 GRE/X )
Statutory Instrument (1999), Ionising Radiations Regulations 1999, The Stationery Office, ISBN 0-11-085614 7 (UL: 539.722 GRE/X)
Lambourne R. and Tinker M. (2000), Basic Mathematics for the Physical Sciences, Wiley, ISBN 0-471-85207-4 (UL: 510.245 LAM)

Formative Mechanisms

Students are able to monitor their own progress by their results in the tests and graded coursework. Students with specific problems are encouraged to approach the lecturer.

Evaluation Mechanisms

The module will be evaluated using information gathered via the student representation mechanisms, the staff peer appraisal scheme, and measures of student attainment based on summative assessment.