PCB272 Radiation Physics
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| Unit code: | PCB272 |
|---|---|
| Assumed Knowledge: | Senior Maths B and Senior Physics are assumed knowledge. |
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Timetable | Details in HiQ, if available |
| Availabilities |
|
| CSP student contribution | $1,164 |
| Domestic tuition unit fee | $4,356 |
| International unit fee | $4,848 |
Unit Outline: Semester 1 2025, Gardens Point, Internal
| Unit code: | PCB272 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Assumed Knowledge: | Senior Maths B and Senior Physics are assumed knowledge. |
| Coordinator: | Andrew Fielding | a.fielding@qut.edu.au |
Overview
Radiographers require a basic knowledge of general physics and more detailed theoretical background to the physical basis behind the equipment design, construction and materials and the increasing technological support for developing modalities. The aim of this unit is to provide you with an understanding of radiation physics related to x-ray production and radiographic practice and how radiation interacts with matter. You will learn about the basic physics of radiation and radioactivity, interaction of radiation with matter, radiation safety and the physics underpinning X-ray imaging. You will also acquire the basic knowledge of the physical principles of X-ray imaging and radiotherapy systems.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Explain the physical basis for the production of ionising radiation, and to describe the properties of ionising radiation which affect its behaviour in diagnostic imaging and therapeutic uses.
- Discuss how x-rays are generated, the design construction and materials used in the x-ray tube and high voltage generators.
- Describe the operation of radiotherapy x-ray tubes
- Manipulate equations and apply formulae to solve physics problems.
Content
Atomic structure, radioactivity, interaction of x-rays with matter.
Radiation dosimetry, radiation units, radiation detection.
X-rays - properties and nature.
X-ray tube construction and design. Diagnostic and therapy tubes.
High voltage generation, transformers, rectifiers, linear accelerators.
Ratings of x-ray tube, tube failure.
Learning Approaches
Online and/or face to face lectures will provide the knowledge base required for this unit and will be supported by online or face to face tutorials enabling you to apply the theory described in lectures.
Practical Experiences. Students will be carry out experiments involving radioactive decay, attenuation of ionising radiations, and electrical transformer behaviour.
Online Interactive Sessions: 1 x 2 hours per week
Practical experiences: 1 practical experience per week for 4 weeks
Feedback on Learning and Assessment
Feedback will be provided to students verbally and in written form, Further consultation is available on request.
Assessment
Overview
You will be expected to undertake a number of assessments related to the learning outcomes of this unit (see below).
Unit Grading Scheme
7- point scale
Assessment Tasks
Assessment: Practical experiences
(Formative and summative) - Practical exercises conducted in the laboratory.
Assessment: Weekly Problem Solving Tasks
(Formative and summative) - Weekly online problem solving tasks
This is an assignment for the purposes of an extension.
Assessment: Final Examination
(Summative) - Theory examination.
Academic Integrity
Academic integrity is a commitment to undertaking academic work and assessment in a manner that is ethical, fair, honest, respectful and accountable.
The Academic Integrity Policy sets out the range of conduct that can be a failure to maintain the standards of academic integrity. This includes, cheating in exams, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion and contract cheating. It also includes providing fraudulent or altered documentation in support of an academic concession application, for example an assignment extension or a deferred exam.
You are encouraged to make use of QUT’s learning support services, resources and tools to assure the academic integrity of your assessment. This includes the use of text matching software that may be available to assist with self-assessing your academic integrity as part of the assessment submission process.
Breaching QUT’s Academic Integrity Policy or engaging in conduct that may defeat or compromise the purpose of assessment can lead to a finding of student misconduct (Code of Conduct – Student) and result in the imposition of penalties under the Management of Student Misconduct Policy, ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.
Resources
Resource Materials
Prescribed text(s)
Reference book(s)
Bushberg JT et al (2002) The Essential Physics of Medical Imaging, 2nd edition, Williams and Wilkins
Risk Assessment Statement
Attention will be drawn to relevant workplace health and safety issues in lectures and practicals. Laboratory safety rules will be published on the first year physics laboratory website. There are no other out of the ordinary risks associated with this unit.
Standards/Competencies
This unit is designed to support your development of the following standards\competencies.
MRPBA Professional Capabilities 2020
Domain 1C: Radiation therapist
Domain 5: Radiation safety and risk manager
Relates to: ULO1
Course Learning Outcomes
This unit is designed to support your development of the following course/study area learning outcomes.CS49 Bachelor of Radiation Therapy
- Principles and applications of radiation therapy
Relates to: Practical experiences, Weekly Problem Solving Tasks, Final Examination - Physical Sciences
Relates to: Practical experiences, Weekly Problem Solving Tasks, Final Examination - Clinical decision making
Relates to: Practical experiences - Critical thinking (analyse, interpret, evaluate)
Relates to: Weekly Problem Solving Tasks - Radiation safety and quality
Relates to: Weekly Problem Solving Tasks
CS50 Bachelor of Radiation Therapy (Honours)
- Physical Sciences
Relates to: Practical experiences, Weekly Problem Solving Tasks, Final Examination