MEDICAL RADIATION PHYSICS

Course objectives

The course main objectives are oriented: - to enhance the student knowledge and know how related to the different interaction mechanisms of ionising radiation with matter - to the detailed study of the principal technologies and devices used for radiation detection - to the knowledge of the ionising radiation biological effects on organs and tissues - to the study of the medicine applied techniques that employ ionising radiation for diagnostic, therapeutic and monitoring purposes. The aim of the laboratory module is to consolidate the basic elements on radioprotection by experimental exploration of concepts related to radioisotopes activity, to the interaction of the radiation with the matter, to the adsorbed dose in function of exposure time, distance and shielding effectiveness. The knowledge of Physics gained in the previous courses is completed by practical application of statistics in counting techniques and by using control instrumentation (multimeter, oscilloscope)

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ALESSIO SARTI Lecturers' profile

Program - Frequency - Exams

Course program
Introduction and generalities' The Bohr atom. atomic levels. The nucleus. nuclear levels. Radiation α, β, γ. Radioactive decay and half-life. Cross section and probability 'of interaction 2 Photons Photoelectric effect. Planck constant and the concept of the photon. Thomson Scattering: polarized and unpolarized cross section. Rayleigh Scattering. Compton Effect. Pairs production and electromagnetic showers. Attenuation and absorption of X-rays 3 Charged particles Energy loss of charged particles. Range. Fluctuation of energy loss. Bremsstrahlung. Angular distribution. 4 Neutrons Scattering of neutrons. Moderation of neutrons 5 Radiation detectors Ionization in gases. ionization in gas detectors. Scintillation. Scintillation counters. photographic film. Counters Thermoluminescence 6 Dosimetry Units and dosimetric quantities. Fluence. Exposure. Kerma. Dose. Measurements of dose and exposure. Build-up. Radiation shielding. Principles of radiation protection and dose limits. 7 Biological effects of radiation. Biological effects. Sources of radiation data. Radiobiology. Dose-response relationship: X-rays, charged radiation, neutrons. Cell survival. Relative Biological Effectiveness 9 diagnostic and therapeutic techniques The Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography. The Positron Emission Tomography. Radiotherapy. Particle therapy
Prerequisites
Knowledge of electromagnetism and electromagnetic fields - elements of probability and statistics
Books
James Turner: "Atoms, radiation and radioprotection"
Frequency
Attendance in the classroom for theoretical lessons three times a week and once a week in the laboratory for experiments
Exam mode
The oral test concerns the evaluation of knowledge on medical techniques using radiation. In particular, the basics of nuclear physics applied to medicine and the fundamentals of radiation protection will be the subject of examination. The knowledge of nuclear imaging techniques will be evaluated with particular regard to the technological design of SPECT and PET machines. Knowledge of the application of radiation physics to radiotherapy of solid tumors will also be the subject of examination.
Lesson mode
Theoretical lessons are held in person. The laboratory experiences (one a week) are held in presence
GAIA FRANCIOSINI Lecturers' profile
  • Lesson code1044765
  • Academic year2024/2025
  • CourseBiomedical Engineering
  • CurriculumGestione del sistema sanitario
  • Year1st year
  • Semester2nd semester
  • SSDFIS/01
  • CFU9
  • Subject areaAttività formative affini o integrative