Radiation and Radiotherapy
Code
10536
Academic unit
Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia
Department
Departamento de Física
Credits
6.0
Teacher in charge
João Duarte Neves Cruz, Maria Adelaide de Almeida Pedro de Jesus
Weekly hours
4
Teaching language
Português
Objectives
This is a final year course that, based on the knowledge acquired in Atomic and Nuclear Physics courses, introduces the areas of dosimetry, biological effects of radiation and its applications. Their knowledge of practical aspects of radiation detection, involving different kind of detectors, the associated electronics and data acquisition, will be applied to the design of laboratorial tests and experiments. Also, students will get acquainted with simulation software for dosimetric calculations.
Prerequisites
Participation with sucess in Atomic and Molecular and Nuclear Physics courses.
Subject matter
Radiation: Interaction of ionizing electromagnetic radiation with matter – effects on the radiation (absorption, scattering); Interaction of charged particles with matter – effects on the particles (stopping power, range, energy straggling and angular straggling, production of electromagnetic radiation); Effects of radiation on matter – energy transfer, excitation, ionization; Dosimetry – units, measurements, calculation of doses; Effects of radiation on biological tissues – direct and indirect, somatic and genetic, stochastic and deterministic; dose/effect relation; Basic rules for Safety and Radiological Protection.
Radiotherapy: External radiotherapy with electromagnetic radiation; External radiotherapy with ion beams; Internal radiotherapy or Brachitherapy.
Bibliography
Atoms, Radiation, and Radiation Protection, 2nd Edition, James E. Turner
Radiation Therapy Physics, 3rd Edition, William R. Hendee, Geoffrey S. Ibbott, Eric G. Hendee
Medical Applications of Nuclear Physics, Series: Biological and Medical Physics, Biomedical Engineering, Bethge, K., Kraft, G., Kreisler, P., Walter, G.
Slides given during classes.
Teaching method
Theoretical classes (2 hours/week) are given by the lecturer. 2 examinations.
Pratical classes are aimed at calculation and simulation of problems raised in the theoretical classes. Students are divided in groups of 2 (to 3) students. 4 simulation problems are solved with report.
Evaluation method
The evaluation has 2 components: group evaluation and individual evaluation.
Group evaluation (NG)
4 reports with grades ranging from 0 to 20.
Individual Evaluation (NT)
2 tests and/or 1 exam with grades ranging from 0 to 20.
Final grade (NF)
NF = 0.60*NT + 0.40*NG
Approval
The approval implies : NG>10 e NT>10.