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 ACCELERATORS AND RADIOISOTOPES IN MEDICINE
Code PHYS246
Coordinator Professor RD Page
Physics
R.D.Page@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2022-23 Level 5 FHEQ Second Semester 15

Aims

To introduce the students to ionising and non ionising radiation including its origins and production; to introduce the various ways in which radiation interacts with materials; to introduce the different accelerators and isotopes used in medicine and to give examples of their use.


Learning Outcomes

(LO1) A basic knowledge of the origins of radiation and its properties.

(LO2) An understanding of ways in which radiation interacts with materials.

(LO3) An understanding of how accelerators operate and how isotopes are produced.

(LO4) Knowledge of applications of the use of accelerators and isotopes in medicine.

(S1) Problem solving skills


Syllabus

 

Origins and properties of radiation: Types, origins and effects of ionising and non ionising radiation. Atomic and nuclear energy levels, radiation of atoms and nuclei. Interaction of radiation with materials: Photoelectric and Compton effects, pair production. Attenuation and absorption coefficients. Bethe-Bloch equation for charged particles, linear energy transfer, stopping power and range, Bragg curve. Interaction of microwaves and lasers with materials. Effects of radiation on biological systems. Absorbed, equivalent and effective dose. Accelerators and isotopes: Acceleration of charged particles, types of accelerators used: cyclotrons, linacs and synchrotrons. Beam species and energies used. Production of radioisotopes, properties of some common medical isotopes. Microwaves, basic properties and production. Examples of uses: Selected examples of uses of accelerators and isotopes in medical applications, such as PET, SPECT, X-ray imaging, brachytherapy, IMRT and heavy ion radio therapy.


Teaching and Learning Strategies

Teaching Method 1 - Lectures
Description: Lectures delivered on campus.
Attendance Recorded: Yes

Teaching Method 2 - Workshops
Description: 6 x 2h of Workshops (take place in alternate weeks) in which students work individually or in groups to solve set problems. Experimental demonstrations to reinforce concepts also take place in the workshops.
Attendance Recorded:Yes


Teaching Schedule

  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours 24

        12

36
Timetable (if known)              
Private Study 114
TOTAL HOURS 150

Assessment

EXAM Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
Notes
In person, closed book written examination.  150    70       
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
Notes
Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. Assessment Schedule (When) :2    15       
Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. Assessment Schedule (When) :2    15       

Recommended Texts

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