RAD1081 Foundations in medical radiation physics
Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences
RAD1081 Foundations in medical radiation physics is a level 1, 6-credit-point, undergraduate unit from the Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, offered in 2020 in Semester 1 at Clayton. It has no prerequisites.
- Credit points
- 6
- Offered in 2020
- Semester 1
- Clayton
- Assessment
- Exam 40%
- and 2 other tasks
This is the 2020 handbook entry. See the 2027 entry.
Reviews
No reviews yetNo reviews yet. Be the first to review RAD1081.
Requisites
Before RAD1081
No prerequisites or corequisites besides the enrolment rules below.
After RAD1081
No unit lists RAD1081 as a prerequisite in the 2020 handbook.
Enrolment rules
Must be enrolled in one of the following course: M2013
Overview
This unit aims to provide students with the opportunity to develop theoretical knowledge in the concepts underpinning medical radiation physics.
The unit begins with an examination of mathematical principles related to medical radiation physics. Students will then study the laws of physics, the units of measurement used within the discipline, electricity, magnetism and the electromagnetic spectrum. Students will learn about the physical properties of atomic structure and about the interaction of particles and waves including mechanisms for absorption and scattering of energy at the atomic level. The focus will then move to the properties of radiation, radiation interactions with matter, and the production and detection of radiation. Foundation principles of radiation safety and radiation protection together with statutory requirements will be covered. The physics concepts discussed will be applied in a radiation therapy context in relation to principles, implications and instrumentation.
Offerings in 2020
| Teaching period | Campus | Mode |
|---|---|---|
| First semester | Clayton | On campus |
Assessment
- Laboratory Log BookOther30%
- Assignment30%
- End-semester exam (2 hours and 10 minutes)Exam40%
Learning outcomes
When you finish this unit, you should be able to:
- 1
Describe fundamental mathematics and physics concepts relevant to medical radiation physics, focussing on mechanics, waves and particles, thermal physics, electricity, magnetism and electromagnetism
- 2
Explain the principles and properties of atomic structure, radioactivity, the processes of radiation interactions with matter and the production, absorption and scattering of energy
- 3
Describe the instrumentation used for the production of x-rays including the Diagnostic X-ray Tube and the Medical Linear Accelerator
- 4
Discuss the principles of radiation detection and dosimetry relevant to medical radiation physics
- 5
Describe the effects of ionising radiation on cellular matter and examine the principles of radiation safety and radiation protection that apply to the use of medical radiations
- 6
Communicate and analyse laboratory findings with demonstrated conceptual learning and quantitative analysis
Workload and teaching
1 hour online lecture, 2 hour workshop weeks 1,3,5,7,9,11, a 2 hour laboratory session weeks 2,4,6,8,10 and 2 hours of teacher - directed interaction with Moodle based tasks per week. Students will be expected to engage in additional self-directed activities to facilitate the development of knowledge and understanding of the physical concepts covered in the unit for 7 hours each week. Self-directed activities will include Moodle based tasks, readings and activities per week and online support sessions.
Contacts
- Unit Coordinators
- Dr Catherine Kealley
- Associate Professor Caroline Wright
- Chief Examiners
- Associate Professor Caroline Wright
Common questions
What are the prerequisites for RAD1081?
RAD1081 has no prerequisites, but enrolment rules apply.
When is RAD1081 offered?
In 2020, RAD1081 runs in Semester 1 at Clayton.
Does RAD1081 have an exam?
Yes. The exam is worth 40% of the final mark, alongside 2 other tasks.