Dosimetry, Safety and Radiation Protection

Year
4
Academic year
2020-2021
Code
02016439
Subject Area
Biomedical Engineering
Language of Instruction
Portuguese
Mode of Delivery
Face-to-face
Duration
SEMESTRIAL
ECTS Credits
6.0
Type
Elective
Level
2nd Cycle Studies - Mestrado

Recommended Prerequisites

N.A.

Teaching Methods

In the theoretical lectures, the subjects are explained using mainly audiovisual media. In the practical classes students solve problems, followed by discussion, that aim to link the concepts, methods and techniques learned in the theoretical lectures to practical situations.
In practical classes, students carry out computer simulations, in which they apply the knowledge acquired in theoretical lectures. These classes will also include the presentation and discussion of "case studies" in radiation protection and safety.

Learning Outcomes

1) To know i) the fundamental physical radiometric and dosimetric quantities; ii) different type of integral and pulsed dosimeters, as well as instrumentation for personal and environmental monitoring and survey; iii) how to calculate internal and external radiation doses; iv) how to dimension and design screening barriers; v) environmental radiation and radioactive waste management; vi) legislation on safety and radiation protection.
2) To know how to use computational methods for dosimetric calculations and design of radiation protection barriers.
3) Ability to search and use bibliography, organising a consistent set of information regarding the area in study.
4) To know to solve problems involving the calculation of internal and external doses.

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

1. Introduction to the main principles, quantities and units in dosimetry.
2. Determination of the external and internal dose due to sources emitting gamma radiation, X-rays and charged
particles.
3. Interaction of neutrons and calculation of the dose due to neutrons
4. Techniques and instrumentation in dosimetry
- Integral and pulsed dosimeters
- Detectors for radiation monitoring and survey
- Intraoperative probes.
5. Dosimetric systems
- Calibration of ionising chambers with X-rays and gamma-radiation
- Radiation beams characterisation
- Beam calibration with phantoms
- Calibration and quality control of dosimetric systems.
6. Practice radiation protection and safety
- Principles of radiation protection and safety
- Design of screening barriers
- Types of sources and exposure modes
- Irradiation and contamination
- Basic rules in radiation protection
- Radioactive waste handling and management
7. Standards, Regulations and Legislation in radiation protection and safety

Assessment Methods

Evaluation
Exam: 100.0%

Bibliography

- Herman Cember, Introduction to Health Physics, 4th Ed., McGraw-Hill, Inc., 2009.
- Radiation Protection and Dosimetry: An Introduction to Health Physics, Michael G. Stab, Springer, 2010.
- F.H. Attix, Introduction to radiological physics and radiation dosimetry, John Wiley, 1986.
- J.R. Greening, Fundamentals of Radiation Dosimetry, Medical Physics Handbooks, 1985.