Radiation Biology and Dosimetry (10027.3)

This unit further develops and consolidates the physical concepts of radiological protection, ionising radiation energy deposition in tissue and develops an understanding of the biological effects of ionising radiation. Topic areas include the macro and microscopic description of energy deposition, external and internal radiation dosimetry, concepts and theory of radiobiology, health physics and principles and applications of radiation protection.

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
1. Articulate knowledge of the effects of ionising radiation exposure at the cellular, organ, body and population levels and infer the relationships between radiation dose and biological effects;
2. Analyse the biological effects from exposing to ionising radiation from medical imaging examinations and justify the radiation doses required to achieve image optimised quality;
3. Analyse and critically reflect upon radiation protection principles, derive elementary models of radiation action and propose x-ray imaging techniques to minimise risks associated with radiation exposures; and
4. Critically review and interpret radiation safety models of energy deposition and of external and internal radiation dosimetry; and be able to apply them in context of radiation legislation and guidelines for the protection of patients, health staff, and the population.

Graduate attributes

1. UC graduates are professional - employ up-to-date and relevant knowledge and skills
1. UC graduates are professional - use creativity, critical thinking, analysis and research skills to solve theoretical and real-world problems
2. UC graduates are global citizens - adopt an informed and balanced approach across professional and international boundaries
2. UC graduates are global citizens - behave ethically and sustainably in their professional and personal lives
2. UC graduates are global citizens - make creative use of technology in their learning and professional lives
3. UC graduates are lifelong learners - be self-aware
3. UC graduates are lifelong learners - reflect on their own practice, updating and adapting their knowledge and skills for continual professional and academic development

Prerequisites

10020 MRS Practicum 1 OR 11977 MRS Practicum 1
AND 10026 Physical Principles of MRS

Corequisites

Enrolment in 319JA Bachelor of Medical Radiation Science (Medical Imaging) AND 10015 Imaging Pathology AND 10029 Radiographic Imaging 2 AND 11978 MRS Practicum 2

Incompatible units

None.

Equivalent units

None.

Assumed knowledge

None.