ENGG 268 Radiation Safety
This course will include a comprehensive review of radiation protection and safety, with a focus on aspects most pertinent to careers in medical physics and biomedical engineering. A review of the fundamental concepts of interactions of radiation and tissue, radiation dosimetry, and history will provide a basis for detailed interrogations of radiation protection topics associated with modern applications of ionizing radiation in medicine. This will include consideration of occupational protection and monitoring, radiation shielding, internal and external exposures, regulations for x-rays and radionuclides, and environmental control. Through this course the students will develop a practical appreciation and the core knowledge for responsible use of ionizing radiation in diagnostic and therapeutic medicine, including brachytherapy and nuclear medicine. The class will meet twice each week to review daily reading assignments and emphasize critical concepts through discussion of practical examples. Retention and comprehension of key concepts will be evaluated with a mid-term test and a final exam.This course provides a comprehensive instruction on all aspects of Advanced Radiation Therapy Physics for the graduate student interested in Therapeutic Medical Physics training. The course uses medical imaging and radiation transport concepts to help the student understand radiation dosimetry and patient treatment planning at both the practical and theoretical levels. Daily readings and chapter summaries will be used to guide the students through the course, with twice weekly discussion sessions recapping what has been covered. More advanced topics are covered in the 2nd half with each student picking a topic to focus their final project on, where a more detailed in-depth presentation and written summary is required.