Entry requirements

60 credits in physics or technology.

Learning outcomes

After completing the course the student should be able to:

• explain biological effects and risks of ionising radiation
• explain the principles of radiotherapy of tumours
• describe the function of different radiation detectors
• describe radionuclidic methods of measurement
• carry out basic calculations of doses
• describe planar X-ray
• describe and explain different tomographic image methods based on X-ray, nuclear spin resonance and nuclide techniques
• describe the principles of ultrasonography
• describe the advantages and limitations of different technologies and discuss their use in medicine

Content

The course should provide students with a knowledge of physical methods for applications in medical technology. The following technologies and fields will be dealt with: X-ray tube and diagnostic X-ray. Accelerator technology for tumour treatment. Tomographic methods used for medical images, such as PET (Positron Emission Tomography), SPECT (Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography), CT (Computed Tomography) and MR (Magnetic Resonance). Ultrasound. The chemical and biological impact of ionising radiation. Dosimetric calculations. Risk estimations.

Instruction

Lectures, teaching sessions, seminars and compulsory study visits: Uppsala University Hospital, the Skandion Clinic, or equivalent.

Assessment

Written examination at the end of the course (4 credits). Attendance at study visits and active participation in problem presentation (1 credit).

If special circumstances apply, the examiner can allow an exception from the assessment method indicated and permit a student to be assessed in another way. Special circumstances can include notification of special educational support from the university coordinator.