PHYS5402 Radiation Biology and Protection
- Credit
- 6 points
- Offering
(see Timetable) Availability Location Mode Semester 2 UWA (Perth) Multi-mode - Content
- This unit introduces students to the basic concepts and principles of radiation biology and protection, including the biological effects of radiation, sources of radiation, treatment effects, treatment strategies, risks, exposure and protection methods. An understanding of the national and state legislative requirements with respect to radiation is also developed.
- Outcomes
- Students are able to (1) understand basic concepts and principles of radiation biology and radiation protection; (2) use appropriate units to quantify radiation exposure; (3) understand sources of radiation and health effects of ionising radiation; (4) understand basic genetic and epidemiological aspects of radiation exposure; (5) describe the principles underlying risk reduction and procedures to minimise risk of radiation exposure; (6) describe approaches for monitoring of staff and work areas; (7) be familiar with legislation regarding radiation protection and safety; (8) discuss biological effects of radiation in the context of radiation therapy; and (9) understand basic concepts and principles of radiation therapy.
- Assessment
- Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) assignments; (2) tutorial preparation and participation; and (3) final examination. Further information is available in the unit outline.
Supplementary assessment is not available in this unit. - Unit Coordinator(s)
- Dr Pejman Rowshan Farzad
- Unit rules
- Prerequisites:
- enrolment in 53560 Master of Physics (Medical Physics specialisation)
and
completion of the core and complementary units for the Physics major
or
equivalent. - Advisable prior study:
- ANHB5451 Amatomy and Human Biology for Medical Physicists
- Contact hours
- 2 - 3 hours per week plus an extra hour of practicals in some weeks
- Texts
Hall, E. Radiobiology for the Radiologist, 7th edn: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins 2012
Cember, H. Introduction to Health Physics, 5th Edition, A & L Allied Health, 2017
Joiner, Michael . Basic Clinical Radiobiology, 4th edn, London : CRC Press; 2009
ICRP Recommendations of the International Commission on Radiation Protection: Pergamon Press Oxford 1990
Khan, F. The Physics of Radiation Therapy, 5th edn: Williams and Wilkins 2014
- The availability of units in Semester 1, 2, etc. was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change.
- All students are responsible for identifying when they need assistance to improve their academic learning, research, English language and numeracy skills; seeking out the services and resources available to help them; and applying what they learn. Students are encouraged to register for free online support through GETSmart; to help themselves to the extensive range of resources on UWA's STUDYSmarter website; and to participate in WRITESmart and (ma+hs)Smart drop-ins and workshops.
- Books and other material wherever listed may be subject to change. Book lists relating to 'Preliminary reading', 'Recommended reading' and 'Textbooks' are, in most cases, available at the University Co-operative Bookshop (from early January) and appropriate administrative offices for students to consult. Where texts are listed in the unit description above, an asterisk (*) indicates that the book is available in paperback.