Undergraduate - UnitRAD1021 - Radiologic physics

On completion of this unit, the student will be able to:

1. Explain the physical principles underpinning atomic and nuclear structure;
2. Understand fundamental principles in mechanics and thermal physics that are relevant to the production and absorption of energy;
3. Explain the physical laws of interaction of particles and waves, including the mechanisms for absorption and scattering of energy at the atomic level;
4. Explain in quantitative terms the production of x-rays and the use of exposure factors that control x-ray intensity, penetration and dose;
5. Use quantitative measures for the absorption of x-rays and to understand why and how x-ray absorption coefficients vary with energy and atomic number and relate these ideas to the sharp depiction of contrast changes in x-ray images of patients;
6. Understand the effects of ionizing radiation on cellular matter and be able to explain the basic principles underlying radiation dose and radiation safety;
7. Implement and evaluate appropriate radiation safety strategies and radiation protection measures in the context of diagnostic x-rays;
8. Understand the fundamental principles of radiation therapy and the production and use of radiopharmaceutical products;