Module Details
The information contained in this module specification was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change, either during the session because of unforeseen circumstances, or following review of the module at the end of the session. Queries about the module should be directed to the member of staff with responsibility for the module.
Title RADIATION PHYSICS
Code PHYS852
Coordinator Dr HC Boston
Physics
H.C.Boston@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2021-22 Level 7 FHEQ Whole Session 10

Aims

This module aims to provide students with a knowledge of the necessary radiation physics principles which underpin medical physics and clinical engineering. It mainly consists of lectures and problem solving but also includes sessions involving practical measurements. The practical sessions, which take place in the University Central Teaching Laboratory, aim to give the students experience of radiation detection, half life measurements and statistical analysis. There is a further practical session at Clatterbridge Cancer Centre where the aim is to give students an opportunity to work with some of the machines and instrumentation used for radiotherapy in a clinical setting.

Learning Outcomes

(LO1) An understanding of the basic atomic and nuclear physics required in radiation physics

(LO2) An understanding of the interaction processes with matter and the physical and biological effects of radiation

(LO3) An ability to solve problems using a range of skills and to check results experimentally

(LO4) The ability to carry out and interpret measurements using radiation detection instrumentation

(LO5) A basic understanding of the practical use of radiotherapy equipment and its associated measurement instrumentation

(S1) Problem solving skills

(S2) Organisational skills

(S3) Numeracy

Syllabus
 

Basic Atomic and Nuclear Physics: Origin of x- and γ-rays Charged particle radiation (i.e. α β) nuclear decay processes characteristics and production of radioisotopes Interaction of radiation with matter, stopping power and LET fluence, kerma and absorbed dose charged particle acceleration detection of radiation basic radiation protection/safety (pre-clinical placement) introduction to radiotherapy physics: introduction to radiotherapy equipment beam characteristics principles of radiotherapy planning Introduction to QC, calibration, safety standards, local rules practical sessions on radiation measurements using gamma rays and beta particles practical session at Clatterbridge Cancer Centre using machines involved in radiotherapy delivery there is a formative class test at the end of the lecture period.

Teaching and Learning Strategies

Teaching Method 1 - Lecture
Description: Lectures
Attendance Recorded: Not yet decided
Notes: A range of lectures from radiation physics and radiotherapy experts

Teaching Method 2 - Tutorial
Description: Problem solving and revision sessions
Attendance Recorded: No
Notes: Help will be available for solving problems. Model answers to problems will be discussed. Student can also raise any topics relevant to the module.

Teaching Method 3 - Laboratory Work
Description: Practical Experiments using radiation detectors
Attendance Recorded: Yes
Notes: Stuudent are scheduled for a series of three hour sessions in the laboratory. Four experiments have to be completed and a short report submitted for each.

Teaching Method 4 - Field Work
Description: Day at Clatterbridge Hospital
Attendance Recorded: Yes
Notes: Students spend a day at the hospital making measurements close to the radiotherapy machines used for treatment. A report on each activity needs to be competed.

Teaching Schedule
  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours 17

   5

 9

 8

   39
Timetable (if known)              
Private Study 61
TOTAL HOURS 100

Assessment
EXAM Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
Examination There is a resit opportunity. This is an anonymous assessment. Assessment Schedule (When) :end semester 2  2 hours    50       
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)		 % of
final
mark		 Resit/resubmission
opportunity		 Penalty for late
submission		 Notes
Laboratory work There is a resit opportunity. Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. This is not an anonymous assessment. Assessment Schedule (When) :Reports submitted three weeks af  9 hours of laborator    20       
Hospital practical There is a resit opportunity. Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. This is not an anonymous assessment. Assessment Schedule (When) :end November approx 4 weeks a  Day at Clatterbridge    30       

Recommended Texts
Reading lists are managed at readinglists.liverpool.ac.uk. Click here to access the reading lists for this module.