Introduction to Nuclear Chemistry and Radiopharmacy

Recommended Prerequisites

Anatomy and Histology; General Chemistry; Molecular and Cellular Biology; Biochemistry; Physiology I; Radiations in Biomedicine.

Teaching Methods

The course is based on theoretical and practical classes where different subjects will be presented using examples and applications in biomedical engineering. The course includes mandatory laboratory practical classes with assessment, where radiolabeling and quality control techniques are implemented, as well as studies of biodistribution, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. The course also includes mandatory seminars with assessment, presented by invited specialists from different areas, in collaboration with the University of Coimbra.

Learning Outcomes

Learn the laws on Radiopharmacy, namely the regulations on radio-protection, GMP, GLP and ICRP60
Know the basic equipment of a radiopharmacy (clinical/research) and its quality control.
Know the main production processes, detection and quality control of radionuclides and radiopharmaceuticals.
Radiolabelling protocols and their quality control.
Radiopharmacy applications in biomedicine (clinical or research).

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

Review of the principles of Nuclear Chemistry.

Production of radionuclides. Particle accelerators. Detection and quantification techniques.

Introduction to Radiopharmacy. Radiopharmacy equipment and laboratory. Characteristics of radiopharmaceuticals. Basic methods of radioactive labeling. Quality control.

Design and industrial production of radiopharmaceuticals.

Legislation in Radiopharmacy.

Storage and management of waste and residues. Radiation protection.

Review of transport mechanisms through membranes.

Radionuclides in Biomedicine.

Introduction to the use of radiotracers/radiopharmaceuticals in Nuclear Medicine and quality control.

Introduction to practical radiopharmacy. Biodistribution studies.

Autoradiography and liquid scintillation studies.

Head Lecturer(s)

Ana Cristina Aguiar Santos

Assessment Methods

Assessment
Laboratory work or Field work: 20.0%
Report of a seminar or field trip: 30.0%
Exam: 50.0%

Bibliography

Bushberg[JR1.1][AA1.2] JT, Seibert JA, Leidnoldt EM, Boone JM The essential physics of medical imaging, Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, NY (2nd ed.).
Hendee WR & Ritenou ER Medical imaging physics, Wiley-Liss, NY (4th ed.).
Gopal B Saha Fundamentals of Nuclear Pharmacy, Springer, NY (5th ed.).
Leslie WD & Greenberg ID Nuclear medicine, Landes Bioscience, Georgetown (2003).
Pandit NK Introduction to the pharmaceutical sciences, Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, NY (2006).
Theobald T. Sampson's Textbook of Radiopharmacy (2011).
Scott P, Kilbourn. Handbook of Radiopharmaceuticals: Methodology and Applications. John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. (2021).
Tpzer TN & Rowland M. Essentials of Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics. Wolters Kluver (2nd ed).
Eur. Pharmacopoeia (11th ed).