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 PROTECTION IN MEDICINE
Code PHYS853
Coordinator Mr M Ward
Physics
Matthew.Ward@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2022-23 Level 7 FHEQ Whole Session 10

Aims

This module aims to give the students knowledge of the necessary physics and biological principles which underpin radiation protection in medical physics and clinical engineering. The module also aims to cover the relevant legislation and codes of practice, mainly for UK hospitals. The lectures and problems aim to give the students knowledge about the design characterstics of radiation facilities in hospitals and their safe use.


Learning Outcomes

(LO1) An understanding of the physical and biological principles needed to apply radiation protection to medical physics and clinical engineering.

(LO2) A knowledge of radiation safety; dose limits; national and international organisations and recommendations; legislation; principles of protection, safe practice, monitoring and reporting.

(LO3) The ability to prepare and present a plan for the shielding of a radiotherapy treatment room.

(S1) Communication skills

(S2) Problem solving skills


Syllabus

 

Topics covered: X-rays, electrons (betas), neutrons, alpha and other particles Radioactivity Units and relationships biological effects of ionising radiation measurment and instrumentation for radiation protection radiation safety; dose limits; national and international organisations and recommendations; legislation; principles of protection, safe practice, monitoring and reporting applied to: ionising radiation Radiation protection for diagnostic X-rays, radiotherapy and nuclear medicine including biological effects protection quantity and units Risk factors and dose limits risk-benefit, cost benefit analysis ALARA, ALARP radiation working areas protection instrumentation engineering control Protection issues relating to non-ionising radiations including ultra-violet (UV), radiofrequency (RF) and mircowaves, lasers, infrared, magnetic fields and ultrasound IR(ME)R & IRR ICRP principles of radiation protection Radiobiology, deterministic and stochastic effects dosimetry detecti on techniques: types of detectors shielding and room design for keV and MeV energies patient dose calculation Non-ionising radiation: UV, RF, microwaves, lasers, IR, US Dose limits, organisations, legislation, monitoring for ionising and non-ionising radiation transport of radioactive materials HASS 2006, NaTsCo, ARSAC/MARS, MHRA/GMP, GCP/GLP Critical dose concept Hazard and risk assessment control of releases contingency planning, emergency procdures Waste accumulation Permits to work Population exposures . There is a three hour practical session in the laboratory using dosimeters for both gammas and neutrons. Students relate measured levels to safety limits and use shielding as needed. This session is formative. There is a formative class test at the end of the week.


Teaching and Learning Strategies

Teaching Method 1 - Lecture
Description: Series on one hours lectures
Attendance Recorded: Not yet decided
Notes: Lectures presented by a range of radiation physics experts including those with clinical experience

Teaching Method 2 - Tutorial
Description: Problem solving and revision sessions
Attendance Recorded: No
Notes: Students get help solving problems, model answers to problems are presented. Students can raise any relevant topics.

Teaching Method 3 - Laboratory Work
Description: Practical work using dosimeters
Attendance Recorded: Yes
Notes: A three hours formative session using dosimeters for gammas and neutrons. Shielding is also used to measure its effect on dose.


Teaching Schedule

  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours 20

  5

3

    28
Timetable (if known)              
Private Study 72
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    70       
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
Notes
Assignment There is a resit opportunity. Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. This is not an anonymous assessment. Assessment Schedule (When) :end semester 1    30       

Recommended Texts

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