Learning objectives
The module of applied Physics is the main module of the course of Applied and Health Physics It wants to give a background to undergraduate students about health and environmental physics related to the ionizing radiations with aim to use the knowledge and the acquired understanding during the every day use of radiations in diagnosis and therapy .These results can be achieved with the understanding of many applications of ionizing radiations used in diagnosis and therapy .The student at the end of the course, using the knowledge of physics and mathematics already acquired previously, will have to demonstrate knowledge and understanding about: -Different Ionizing radiations and their production;- Interactions an effects of photons, charge particles and neutrons with matter;- Diagnostic and therapeutic applicationsMoreover, by applying the acquired knowledge and understanding, the student must be able, collaborating with other professionals, to use the methods and the instrumentation for diagnosis and therapy based on ionizing radiation.
Prerequisites
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Course unit content
The first part of lectures is related to the definition of ionizing radiations with particular reference to the production of X-rays and to the production of radiation emitted during radioactive decays.
The second part of the course is devoted to the discussion of the ionizing radiation interaction with matter. In particular, it will be explained the interactions of X-ray, gamma photons, heavy charged particles, light charged particles and neutrons with matter. The third part of the course covers applications with particular reference to biomedical and industrial diagnostic techniques. Applications also in health care concerning radiotherapy with LINAC, hadrontherapy and Neutron therapy are presented.
Full programme
Ionizing radiation: X-ray and their production
Radioactivity and nuclear reaction: simple radioactivity decay , decay chains, radioactive equilibria.
Type of radioactivity decay: alpha ; beta ; gamma
Interaction of high energy photons with matter elastic scattering , Photoelectric effect, Compton Effect, Pair Production, Activation.
X-ray application: radiotherapy, traditional radio diagnostic, TC
Radioisotope medical application: SPECT, PET, brachytherapy
Interaction of heavy charge particles with matter: specific energy loss.
Bragg's peak : ion beam therapy.
Interaction of light charged particles with matter: stopping power, radiative losses.
Interaction of neutron with matter
BNCT (boron Neutron Capture Therapy)
Bibliography
Lecture Notes
Joseph Magill , Jean Galy: Radioactivity Radionuclides Radiation, Springer Ed.
Teaching methods
The aims of the course will be mostly achieved with lectures, but also with practical exercises. During class students are engage through the use of spreadsheets and applets.
Assessment methods and criteria
The assessment of the achievement of course aims is obteined with an oral or written exam. Using open-ended questions about the contents of the course will be determined whether the student has achieved the goal of content knowledge and understanding. Through questions regarding healthcare and industrial applications will be determined whether the student has achieved the goal of applying the acquired knowledge.
Other information
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