At the end of the course, the student will be able to : • Understand the basic notions and concepts related to radioactivity and radiation protection • understand some basic concepts related to modern physics
The student will be led to understand the subject in depth, beyond the simple knowledge of laws and concepts.
The objectives of the course are to • to provide a solid knowledge base in physics, more specifically in areas related to radioactivity, radiation protection, and some important notions of modern physics. • to highlight the close links between these areas of physics and other sciences, in particular the life sciences. The student will be led to understand the subject in depth, beyond the simple knowledge of laws and concepts.
This course in experimental physics is based on observations, from which lessons are drawn, rigorous reasoning and the deduction of physical laws. These laws are then applied to the explanation of phenomena related to everyday life or to nature.
Constitution of matter
Radioactivity: decay pathways, decay diagrams, uses in nuclear medicine and research
Radiation characteristics: half-life, activity, decay law
Interaction of radiation with matter: 1) charged particles, 2) photons. Beer's law of attenuation, X-ray production, radiation detection
Dosimetry: units of measurement, sources of radioactivity, effects of ionizing radiation on living organisms, basics of radiobiology, survival curve models, stochastic and deterministic effects, radiotherapy
Radiation protection: ALARA principle, patient and caregiver exposure
The presentation of theoretical concepts and demonstrations is done either by means of a powerpoint presentation or by using the board.
Written exam, closed books
Course notes and/or copies of powerpoint presentations.
| Training | Study programme | Block | Credits | Mandatory |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor in Biology | Standard | 0 | 2 | |
| Bachelor in Biology | Standard | 1 | 2 |