PHY3148 Biophysics and Ionizing Radiation

2007-2008

Code: PHY3148
Title: Biophysics and Ionizing Radiation
Instructors: Prof. C.P. Winlove
CATS credits: 10
ECTS credits: 5
Availability: unrestricted
Level: 3
Pre-requisites: N/A
Co-requisites: N/A
Background Assumed: -
Duration: Semester I
Directed Study Time: 22 lectures
Private Study Time: 78 hours
Assessment Tasks Time: -
Observation report: awaiting notification

Aims

Biological tissues consist of two components, cells and extracellular matrix. This module describes the physical properties of both components at the macroscopic level and at the level of their constituent macromolecules. It attempts to illustrate how physiological function is intimately related to basic physics and how diseases ranging from arthritis to cancer are associated with impaired physical function. The later part of the module describes the interactions of ionizing radiation with cells and tissues. It thereby provides a mechanistic basis for a discussion of the uses of ionizing radiation in diagnosis and therapy. The module aims to provide students with a broad view of the applications of physics in medicine and biology which, through further study, can be applied to specific areas of research or to routine work in the medical physics community.

Intended Learning Outcomes

A student should be able to:

Module Specific Skills

• describe the physical consequences of the biochemical structure of extracellular and cytoskeletal macromolecules;
• apply hydrodynamics and statistical physics to the problems of water and solute transport through polymer matrices;
• apply concepts from solid- and fluid-mechanics to membrane properties and processes;
• describe the fundamental process involved with the interaction of X- and gamma-ray photons with matter and their subsequent utilisation in clinical diagnosis;
• explain of the biological effects and safe application of techniques using ionising radiation in human medicine;

Discipline Specific Skills

• use physics techniques in a multi-discplinary context;

Personal and Key Skills

• undertake co-operative learning though peer-group discussions.

Learning and Teaching Methods

Lectures and problems classes.

Assignments

Students are given short problems during lectures and an examples sheet which is discussed during problems classes.

Assessment

One 90-minute examination (100%).

Syllabus Plan and Content

1. The Extracellular Matrix
   1. Structure and macromolecular composition, physiological functions, mechanical properties, permeability to water and solutes.
2. Cells
   1. The plasma membrane: structure, functions and biophysical properties.
   2. The cytoskeleton: structure, functions and biophysical properties.
3. Radiation Physics
   1. Absorption and attenuation mechanisms for photons: Compton effect, photoelectric effect, pair production.
   2. Interaction of charged particles and neutrons.
   3. Absorption and scattering coefficients: half-value layers.
   4. Radiation Units: Gray, Sievert, exposure.
4. Radiation Biology and Biophysics
   1. Effects on biomolecules and cells.
   2. Exposures and absorbed dose: f-factor.
   3. Applications: dosimetry, personnel monitoring, radiotherapy.

Core Text

Not applicable

Supplementary Text(s)

Aidley D.J. (1978), The Physiology of Excitable Cells (2^nd edition), CUP, ISBN 0-521-29308-1 (UL: 591.188 AID)
Chackett K.F. (1981), Radionuclide Technology, Van Nostrand Reinhold, ISBN 0-442-30170-7 (UL: 616.075 CHA)
Cho Z.H., Jones J.P. and Singh M. (1993), Foundations of Medical Imaging, John Wiley, ISBN 0-471-54573-2 (UL: 610.28 CHO)
Farr R.F., Roberts P.J. and Weir J. (1996), Physics for Medical Imaging, Bailliere Tindall, ISBN 0-702-01770-1 (UL: 610.28 FAR)
Fowler J.F. (1981), Nuclear Particles in Cancer Therapy, Hilger (UL: 616.994 FOW)
Godden T.J. (1988), Physical Aspects of Brachytherapy, Institute of Physics, ISBN 0-852-74511-7 (UL: 615.842 GOD)
Greene D.D. (1986), Linear Accelerators for Radiation Therapy, Hilger, ISBN 0-852-74557-5 (UL: 615.842 GRE)
Greening J.R. (1986), Fundamentals of Radiation Dosimetry, Institute of Physics Publishing, ISBN 0-852-74789-6 (UL: 616.0757 GRE)
Katz B. (1966), Nerve, Muscle and Synapse, McGraw-Hill (UL: 591.188 KAT)
Khan F.M. (1997), The Physics of Radiation Therapy (2^nd edition), Williams and Wilkins, ISBN 0-68-304502-4 (UL: 615.842 KHA/X)
Klevenhagen S.C. , Physics of Electron-Beam Therapy, (UL: 615.845 KLE)
Miles F.A. (1969), Excitable Cells, Heinemann (UL: No classmark)
Ng K.H., Bradley D.A. and Warren-Forward H.M. (1998), Subject Dose in Radiological Imaging, Elsevier, ISBN 0-444-82989-X (UL: 616.0757 NGK)

Formative Mechanisms

Students are able to assess their understanding through discussion problems presented in class, and through discussions with 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.