Postgraduate - UnitMMR4003 - Medical radiations science 3

This unit entry is for students who completed this unit in 2014 only. For students planning to study the unit, please refer to the unit indexes in the the current edition of the Handbook. If you have any queries contact the managing faculty for your course or area of study.

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6 points, SCA Band 2, 0.125 EFTSL

Refer to the specific census and withdrawal dates for the semester(s) in which this unit is offered, or view unit timetables.

Level	Postgraduate
Faculty	Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences
Organisational Unit	Department of Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences
Offered	Clayton Second semester 2014 (Off-campus)
Coordinator(s)	Dr Brad Cassels and Ms Caroline Wright

Synopsis

This unit will cover the biological effects of ionizing and non-ionising radiation on cells & tissues; mechanisms of repair to biological damage, systemic & total body responses to early/late effects of radiation, hereditary effects and effects on the embryo & foetus; principles of dose reduction and the relative potential hazards present in different procedures; estimation of risk assessment using accepted theories of dose vs. response; modifications to procedural techniques to maximise the information produced from a particular dose of ionising or non-ionising radiation.

Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit students will be able to:

Describe the major bio-effects of ionising and non-ionising radiation and explain the severity and risks associated with these bio-effects;
Describe the known biological effects of ionising and non-ionising radiation on cells and tissues;
Calculate the radiation dose in a variety of medical radiation scenarios;
Appraise the current scientific theories relating to the risk associated with radiation dose;
Explain the principles of radiation safety and protection.
Explain the rationale used to determine the most appropriate procedure with regard to biological effects
Describe the modifications to procedural technique, required to maximise the benefit from a particular dose of ionising or non-ionising radiation: and
Explain the principles of ALARA and justify the medical use of ionising and non-ionising radiations.

Assessment

Written examination (three hours)(70%)
Two x 1500 word assignments (30%)
Hurdle requirements:
All elements of assessment must be passed to pass the unit.

Chief examiner(s)

Ms Caroline Wright

Co-requisites

MMR4001, MMR4002