Radiation Sources with Medical Applications
The course gives an introduction to medical radiation physics and a general overview of the clinical applications of ionizing radiation. You will become familiar with the main radiation quantities and units, and achieve a basic understanding of the fundamental radiation interaction processes and dosimetric principles to be further explored in other courses in the Master`s Programme in Medical Physics.
You will learn about natural and artificial radioactivity, and study the different radioactive decay processes and the physical laws and principles describing the radioactive decay series. Particular attention is given to the interpretation of radioactive decay schemes to be used in problem-based exercises. You will also study the basic principles of particle accelerators as well as nuclear reactions, and fission and fusion processes.
The course includes classroom lectures, seminars, exercises in groups in class with the help of the teacher, as well as a radionuclide laboratory.
This is a basic course given during the daytime. :
Modules
This course is divided in two parts
- On part one, the following topics will be presented: introduction to radiation physics (classification of radiation, quantities, units, basic radiation interaction processes, dosimetric principles), basic principles for particle accelerators, electron-, proton- and ion accelerators, nuclear reactions and fission and fusion processes
- On part two, the following topics will be presented: general laws of radioactivity, radioactive decay processes, radioactive decay series and production of radioactive nuclei.
Teaching Format
The education consists of lectures, seminars and calculation exercises as well as a laboratory exercise. Active participation of the students in the education is achieved through exercises and seminars.
The course is given in English.
Assessment
The course is examined through seminars and a written exams.
Examiner
Marta Lazzeroni
- Krane, Kenneth S: Introductory Nuclear Physics. John Wiley & Sons New York 1988
- Podgorsak E B: Radiation physics for Medical Physicists. Springer Berlin Heidelberg New York. 2005
- Karzmark, C J Morton: A primer on theory and operation of linear accelerators in radiation therapy Medical Physics Publishing Wisconsin 1998
Course coordinator and teacher
Marta Lazzeroni, e-mail: Marta.Lazzeroni@fysik.su.se
