Biomedical and Health Sciences: Radiation Science

Provides a broad based understanding of the fundamentals of radiation science including the ways in which radiation is produced and utilized, the principles of radioactive decay, radiation exposure, absorbed dose, shielding and detection of radiation. Prerequisite: MATH 1212 or MATH 1234. Co-requisites: RADT 2520 or Instructor permission for non-majors.

Prereqs enforced by the system: MATH 1212 or MATH 1234; Open to degree and PACE students; This class will meet Tuesdays 8:30-9:45 and Thursdays 8:30 - 10:55 in Rowell 104

Introductory course to provide students a broad based understanding of the fundamentals of radiation science including the ways in which radiation is produced and utilized, the principles of radioactive decay, radiation exposure, absorbed dose, shielding and detection of radiation.

1. Describe common units of measurement related to radiation science. 2. Distinguish the characteristics of electromagnetic radiation based on fundamental properties of wavelength, frequency, and energy. 3. Describe photon interactions with matter including the photoelectric effect, Compton scattering, pair production. 4. Describe the constructs of linear energy transfer and linear attenuation coefficient. 5. Describe the effects of photon energy and absorbing material physical characteristics on linear energy transfer and linear attenuation coefficient. 6. Utilize the terms exposure and absorbed dose and demonstrate the ability to convert between traditional and SI units. 7. Demonstrate the utilization of basic mathematical operations, including logarithms and exponential functions to solve problems related to attenuation of electromagnetic energy. 8. Describe the architecture of the x-tube and other x-ray producing devices such as computed tomography systems and linear accelerators. 9. Describe the process of x-ray production using x-ray tubes, computed tomography, and linear accelerators. 10. Describe the nature of the x-ray emissions from different x-ray producing devices. 11. Explain the quality and quantity of x ray beams. 12. Describe the fundamental characteristics of radiation detection devices with emphasis on Geiger Meuller, Ionization, Scintillation, and Semi-conductors.

Final course grade will be determined according to the following percentages: Attendance and participation 5% Quizzes, homework and assignments 10% 2 Midterm Exams Exam 1 22.5% Exam II 27.5% Comprehensive Final Exam 35%