Radiation Physics

Code:

F4003

Acronym:

F4003

Level:

400

Keywords
Classification	Keyword
OFICIAL	Physics

Instance: 2015/2016 - 1S

Active?	Yes
Responsible unit:	Department of Physics and Astronomy
Course/CS Responsible:	Master in Medical Physics

Cycles of Study/Courses

Acronym	No. of Students	Study Plan	Curricular Years	Credits UCN	Credits ECTS	Contact hours	Total Time
M:FM	12	Study plan since 2013/2014	1	-	6	49	162

Teaching language

Portuguese

Objectives

• Understand the major types of ionizing radiation, how these particles interact in physical and biological systems, and the quantities and units used to characterize the intensity of a radiation field.


• Understand fundamental concepts used throughout the radiological sciences, such as absorbed dose, linear energy transfer (LET), particle range and stopping power, fluence, fluence rate, radioactive decay, quality factor and the effective dose equivalent.


• Understand radiation protection principles (e.g., time, distance and shielding) and key concepts related to radiation therapy. 

Learning outcomes and competences

Be able to apply mathematical models and physical concepts to gain additional insight into the behavior of ionizing radiation in biological systems.

Working method

Presencial

Pre-requirements (prior knowledge) and co-requirements (common knowledge)

• General classical and modern physics and mathematics, at the level of licenciature.

Program

• Ionizing radiation


• Types and sources of ionizing radiation.


• Description of ionizing radiations fields


• Quantities for describing the interaction of ionizing radiation with matter 


• Quantities and units for radiation protection.


• Radioactivity


• Radiation Interactions with Matter

• ◦ Attenuation of Neutral Particle Beams
  
  ▪ The Linear Interaction Coefficient; Attenuation of Uncollided Radiation; Average Travel Distance Before an Interaction; Half-Thickness;  Scattered Radiation;  Calculation of Radiation Interaction Rates; Narrow and Broad beam geometries; The buildup factor; The reciprocity theorem.


•  Photon Interactions
  
  ▪ Photoelectric Effect; Compton Scattering; Pair Production; Rayleigh scattering.




• ◦ Neutron Interactions


• ◦ Attenuation of Charged Particles
  
  ▪ Interaction Mechanisms▪ Particle Range▪ Stopping Power▪ Estimating Charged-Particle Ranges


• Fundamental concepts in dosimetry.


• Fundamental concepts in radiation protection.

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Mandatory literature

Attix Frank Herbert; Introduction to radiological physics and radiation dosimetry. ISBN: 0-471-01146-0

Teaching methods and learning activities

The contents are detailed in the classroom which may include  the discussion and solving of problems.
Special guidance on various subjects of study is offered.

Evaluation Type

Evaluation with final exam

Assessment Components

designation	Weight (%)
Exame	100,00
Total:	100,00

Eligibility for exams

According to FCUP rules.

Calculation formula of final grade

final exam=100%

Examinations or Special Assignments

None

Special assessment (TE, DA, ...)

According to the rules of FCUP

Classification improvement

Retaking final exam