Medical Radiation Physics

Aim

This course provides a comprehensive understanding of the fundamental physics underlying the use of ionizing radiation in diagnostic and therapeutic applications in healthcare. Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to:

• Solve and interpret practical tasks involving the application of ionizing radiation.
• Analyze and evaluate measurement scenarios using common radiation detectors.
• Apply and justify principles of radiation safety and protection in medical and environmental contexts.
• Explain and analyze the principles of magnetic resonance physics and solve relevant problems.
• Discuss, illustrate, and critically evaluate systematic quality assurance processes in healthcare, with a focus on radiological equipment.
• Collaborate in group-based problem-solving and communicate scientific reasoning clearly in oral and written form.

Content

The course covers the fundamental principles and applications of ionizing radiation in medicine and related fields. Topics include types of ionizing radiation, mechanisms of ionizing radiation generation, and the interactions of ionizing radiation with matter. The course also addresses radiation detection and measurement techniques, including commonly used instrumentation, as well as the fundamentals of radiation dosimetry, radiation quantities, and units.

Further topics include basic concepts in radiobiology, principles of radiation protection, radiation in the environment, and the medical applications of ionizing radiation in diagnostic and therapeutic contexts. The regulatory framework governing the use of ionizing radiation is also introduced. In addition, the course provides an introduction to nuclear magnetic resonance physics for medical imaging, as well as quality assurance procedures for radiological equipment.