Studying online

There are now 2 possible online modes for units:

Units with modes Online timetabled and Online flexible are available for any student to self-enrol and study online.

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Unit Overview

Description

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.

Credit
6 points
Offering
(see Timetable)
AvailabilityLocationMode
Semester 2UWA (Perth)Face to face
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.

To pass this unit, a student must: (a) achieve an overall mark of 50 per cent or higher for the unit; and (b) achieve the requisite requirements(s) or a mark of 50 per cent or greater, whichever is higher and specified in the unit outline, for the final examination component.

Student may be offered supplementary assessment in this unit if they meet the eligibility criteria.

Unit Coordinator(s)
Dr Pejman Rowshan Farzad
Unit rules
Prerequisites
Enrolment in in the
CM015 Bachelor of Science [Frontier Physics] and Master of Physics
or 73660 Master of Medical Physics
or 53560 Master of Physics
and Enrolment (other than course) in the SP-MEDPH Medical Physics specialisation and completion of the core units in the Physics major or equivalent
Advisable prior study
ANHB5451 Anatomy and 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.
  • Visit the Essential Textbooks website to see if any textbooks are required for this Unit. The website is updated regularly so content may change. Students are recommended to purchase Essential Textbooks, but a limited number of copies of all Essential Textbooks are held in the Library in print, and as an ebook where possible. Recommended readings for the unit can be accessed in Unit Readings directly through the Learning Management System (LMS).
  • Contact hours provide an indication of the type and extent of in-class activities this unit may contain. The total amount of student work (including contact hours, assessment time, and self-study) will approximate 150 hours per 6 credit points.