Radiation Biology and Dosimetry (10027.4)

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 the effects of ionising radiation exposure at various biological levels and infer the relationships between radiation dose and biological effects;
2. Analyse the biological effects of ionising radiation from medical imaging and explain the rationale for the radiation doses used to achieve optimal image quality;
3. Analyse and reflect on radiation protection principles to propose x-ray imaging techniques that minimise radiation exposure risks.; and
4. Review and interpret radiation safety models and apply them accordingly to radiation legislation and guidelines to protect 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 - communicate effectively
2. UC graduates are global citizens - think globally about issues in their profession
2. UC graduates are global citizens - make creative use of technology in their learning and professional lives

Prerequisites

10026 Physical Principles of MRS.

Corequisites

Enrolment in 319JA Bachelor of Medical Radiation Science (Medical Imaging).

Incompatible units

None.

Equivalent units

None.

Assumed knowledge

None.