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PHY 550: Introduction to Radiation Physics and Dosimetry
Course Information
Professor: Dr. Michael Antosh
Semester: Fall
Credits: 3
Prerequisites: PHY210 or permission of instructor
Catalog Description:
Basic principles of radiation physics: radioactivity, the physics of ionizing radiation, radiation dosimetry, imaging equipment, radiation therapy equipment and radiation detectors. The course will include lectures and demonstrations of clinical equipment applications.
Course Goals & Outcomes
Upon completion, successful students will be able to:
Upon completion, successful students will be able to: understand the mechanisms describing radioactive decay and the production of ionizing radiation; the interactions of ionizing radiation with matter; describe the imaging and treatment equipment used for the clinical care of cancer patients; discuss the use of devices and protocols for the accurate measurement of ionizing radiation and calibration of clinical equipment; understand the role of the physicist in radiation medicine
Course Description
Basic principles of radiation physics: radioactivity, the physics of ionizing radiation, radiation dosimetry, imaging equipment, radiation therapy equipment and radiation detectors. The course will include lectures and demonstrations of clinical equipment applications.
The course will include lectures and demonstrations of clinical equipment applications at the Rhode Island Hospital.
Textbook: The Physics of Radiology, 4th Edition, by Johns and Cunningham.
Topics covered by this course include:
- Atomic and nuclear structure; classification of radiation; quantities and units for radiation
- Radioactivity
- Photons: interaction and attenuation
- Interactions of neutrons; directly ionizing radiation; charged particle equilibrium
- Midterm Exam; radiation dosimetry
- Cavity theory and ionization chambers
- In vivo dosimetry
- Radiation dosimetry
- Medical physics equipment
- Quality of x-rays
- Equipment demonstration
LEC: (3 crs.) Basic principles of radiation physics: radioactivity, the physics of ionizing radiation, radiation dosimetry, imaging equipment, radiation therapy equipment and radiation detectors. Pre: PHY 210 or permission of instructor.
