Nuclear Engineering will provide the background in basic radiation physics, radiation transport, photonics, neutronics, electron transport, transport methods, Monte Carlos methods and radiation shielding. As you move into the medical physics concentration you will be primarily concerned with the use of ionizing and on-ionizing radiation and the application of physical and mathematical techniques in the diagnosis and treatment of disease. You will work with the Department of Radiology on the physical aspects of diagnostic radiology, diagnostic ultrasound, magnetic imaging, radiation oncology, nuclear medicine, and radiation safety.
An abbreviated course schedule for the Medical Physics Master’s Program.
| Fall 2006 |
Spring 2007 | Fall 2007 |
Spring 2008 | Fall 2008 |
Spring 2009 | Fall 2009 |
|
ChNE 523 Lab |
ChNE 528 |
ChNE 523 Lab |
ChNE 591 |
ChNE 523 Lab |
ChNE 528 |
ChNE 523 Lab |
|
ChNE 524 |
ChNE 591 |
ChNE 524 |
ChNE 524 |
ChNE 591 |
ChNE 524 |
|
|
ChNE 528 |
ChNE 529 |
ChNE 529 |
||||
|
HSC 380 |
Math Class |
HSC 380 |
Math Class |
HSC 380 |
Math Class |
HSC 380 |
|
MPhys 516 |
MPhys 522 |
MPhys 518 |
MPhys 530 |
MPhys 516 |
MPhys 522 |
MPhys 516 |
| MPhys 517 Lab |
MPhys 530 |
MPhys 519 Lab |
MPhys 531 Lab |
MPhys 517 Lab |
MPhys 530 |
MPhys 517 Lab |
|
MPhys 531 Lab |
MPhys 522 |
MPhys 531 Lab |
In-depth consideration of radiation detection systems and nuclear measurement techniques. Experiments using semi-conductor devices, MCA/MSCs, sampling techniques, dosimeters, tracer techniques and radiochemistry. Emphasis on selection of sampling techniques and instrumentation for measuring low –levels of radiation in air, soil and water. Course credit determined for each student based on the extent of related laboratory work in his or her undergraduate program. Two lectures, 3 hrs. lab.
Nuclear models and energy levels, cross sections, decay processes, range/energy relationships for alphas, betas, gammas, neutrons and fission products. Ionization, scattering and radiative energy exchange processes. Effect of radiation on typical materials used in the nuclear industry. Both theory and application will be presented.
Ionizing radiation, Kerma, Fluence, Dose and Exposure, Attenuation and Buildup, Charged Particle Equilibrium, Bragg-Gray Cavity Theory and other Cavities, Fundamentals of Dosimetry, Ionizations Chambers, Integrating Dosimetry, and Pulse Mode Detectors, and Neutron Interactions and Dosimetry. Both theory and applications will be presented.
Internal contamination, radiation quantities, ICRP dose methodologies, lung models, bioassay, whole body counting, uranium and plutonium toxicology and metabolism, alpha dosimetry and ventilation control/air sampling.
Course examines three dimensional relationships of skull, brain, CNS, thorax, abdomen and pelvis correlating this information with imaging modalities (CT, MRI, Nuclear Medicine).
Introduction to basic atomic physics, radiation interactions, image formation, scatter and resolution, x-ray equipment and digital properties, digital imaging, computer tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, ultrasound imaging, radiation oncology principles, brachytherapy, nuclear medicine physics, radiation protection, regulations, and radiation biology.
Course provides review of x-ray interactions, x-ray production, film-screen and film-processing, mammography, fluoroscopy, image quality, digital radiography, physics of computed tomography, PACD and digital systems, and diagnostic radiation shielding.
Perform QC on a diagnostic x-ray system, a fluoroscopy system, CR system, DR system, CT scanner, mammography system. Evaluate radiation shielding in a diagnostic x-ray room. Perform a digital monitor evaluation and evaluate a film processor.
MR basic physics, MR imaging equipment and ultrasound imaging physics. Nuclear medicine imaging physics including: radioactive decay, isotope production, detector systems, Nal gamma camera imaging systems, PET/SPECT Camera systems, regulations and patient dose calculations.
Perform MRI ACR QC tests and Ultrasound ACR QA tests. Perform QC tests on dose calibrator, gamma camera, PET camera, SPECT camera. Perform a leak test on a sealed radioactive material source. Visit a PET cyclotron.
Covering fundamentals of the biological effects of ionizing radiation on living systems, especially man; basic biological mechanisms which bring about somatic and genetic effects; and the effect of ionizing radiation on cell cultures.
The course will cover the operation of linear accelerators, measurement of absorbed dose and quality of x-ray beams, dose distribution and scatter analysis, and clinical dose calculations for electron and photon beams. Techniques such as IMRT, total body irradiation, and SRS will be discussed. Brachytherapy treatment planning including HDR< LDR, and intravascular treatments will be covered.
Complete a number of clinical treatment plans, participate in the annual calibration of a linear accelerator, acquire basic photon and electron dose data for a computerized treatment planning system, perform several brachytherapy treatment plans including HDR and LDR plans, and perform and IMRT QA validation.
Professional Practice experience with an approved radiation oncology or diagnostic radiology facility. To provide practical experience in medical physics. Requirements: A semester project in conjunction with the field experience, a written report and a PowerPoint oral presentation.
