Effects of radiation exposure on biological systems. Includes typical medical exposure levels, methods for measuring and monitoring radiation, and methods for protecting personnel and patients from excessive exposure.
Describe the biophysical mechanisms of radiation damage on humans; indicate typical dose ranges for routine radiographic procedures; describe basic methods and instruments for radiation monitoring, detection, and measurement; and implement radiation protection practices
At the completion of this course, the student will be able to demonstrate understanding and comprehension of the following material:
A. The human cell and it's response to radiation exposure.
B. The radiobiologic factors in tissue response to radiation.
C. The different hematologic and cytogenic effects to acute radiation.
D. Effects of low dose radiation over long periods of time.
E. Radiation protection and detection for healthcare workers.
F. Radiation protection standards in a radiology department.
Student Learning Outcomes: (Cognitive Domain)
A. The human cell and it's response to radiation exposure. (F-I A,B,C, II B; C-3 B,C)
1. List & describe the organelles of the cell.
2. Identify all phases of cellular division from diagrams.
2. Identify the differences between mitosis and meiosis from diagrams.
3. Evaluate and determine the different types of radiation effects on macromolecule grahphical representations.
4. Calculate the radiosensitivity of various tissues and organs.
B. The radiobiologic factors in tissue response to radiation. (F- I A,B, II C,F; C- 3 A,C)
1. Explain radiation dose-response relationships to human tissues.
2. Successfully select the correct dose-reponse curve from given descriptions.
3. Describe 5 types of radiation dose-response relationships.
3. List biologic factors affecting radiosensitivity; LET and OER.
4. Identify the different radiation studies/events that have been conducted or occurred.
5. Analyze and identify the different linear and non-linear dose-response graphs.
C. The different hematologic and cytogenic effects to acute radiation. (F- I A,B; C- 3 A,B,C)
1. Name and describe the 3 acute radiation syndromes.
2. Define the LD 50/60.
3. Identify and describe the 2 stages leading to acute radiation lethality.
D. Effects of low dose radiation over long periods of time. (F- I A,B, II B,C; C- 3 A,B,C)
1. Identify the radiation dose needed to produce late effects.
2. Describe the causes of radiation-induced cancers and give examples.
3. Determine the risks of low dose radiation to fertility and pregnancy.
E. Radiation protection and detection for healthcare workers. (F- I A,B, II B,D,F; C- 3A,B,C, 5A)
1. Explain the different exposure regulations for radiation workers.
2. Discuss the design of primary and secondary radiation barriers.
3. Name and identify the 9 radiation protection features of an imaging system.
4. Contrast the 3 types of radiation dosimeters used in diagnostic imaging.
5. Select the appropriate radiation detection apparatus for various dept scenarios.
F. Radiation protection standards in a radiology department. (F- I A,B,D, II A,C,F, III C,A; C- 1C, 2A,E, 5A,B)
1. Discuss ALARA standards and factors affecting patient radiation doses.
2. Identify where radiation monitoring devices should be placed in the department.
3. Determine if radiation protection devices in the department are safe for use.
4. Assess and evaluate radiation monitoring reports.
5. Design radiation protection for an ideal radiology department using course concepts.
6. List the state and federal radiation protection standards.
Radiologic Science for Technologists, Bushong, (Newest Edition)
Producing Quality Radiographs, Cullina (Newest Edition)
Christensen's Physics of Diagnostic Radiology, Curry, Dowdey, and Murry (Newest Edition)
Principles of Radiographic Imaging – An Art and a Science, Carlton, Adler (Newest Edition)
Cognitive evaluation will be conducted by 5 written examinations. Points will be accumulated for each test. At the end of the semester, the points are then calculated into percentages and letter grades will be assigned. The lecture tests and final examination are treated separately.
Exams: 65%
Chapter Assignments: 5%
Final Comprehensive Exam: 30%
Total: 100%
Grading Scale:
A = 100% - 91%
B = 90% - 83%
C = 82% - 78%
D = 77% - 74%
The written exams will consist of a variety of question types and can include brief essay. If 1 exam is missed, the student must take the exam immediately upon first return to class and will begin with a score of 90. Subsequent exam absences will result in a 0 point score. During the semester, 4 absences are allowed from class. Each absence thereafter will result in a 10% reduction in score. Students late for class 1 minute will be recorded as tardy, 15 minutes or more will constitute an absence. Three tardies will result in a recorded absence.
EXPECTED CLASSROOM ETIQUETTE:
- It is the student’s responsibility to drop a class. All drops must be processed by an Academic Advisor appropriate to students major.
- Your instructor reserves the right to make modifications in content and schedules as necessary to promote the best education possible within prevailing conditions affecting this course.
- Cell phones are prohibited in class. If a student’s cell phone goes off in class the student will be required to silence or turn the phone off unanswered, and 10 points will be deducted from the students next test score. If the cell phone goes off during a test, 15 points will be deducted from the test score. Subsequent events will result in the doubling of this penalty each time. A student answering a phone during class will be required to leave class and meet with the instructor prior to attending class again. A student answering a phone during a test will receive a 0 grade on the test.
- Demerits will be given to unprofessional class behavior – see student handbook
Lecture, work groups, audio/visual media, handouts, & projects.
ADA Statement:
Any student with a documented disability (e.g. learning, psychiatric, vision, hearing, etc.) may contact the Office on the Weatherford College Weatherford Campus to request reasonable accommodations. Phone: 817-598-6350 Office Location: Office Number 118 in the Student Services Building, upper floor. Physical Address: Weatherford College 225 College Park Drive Weatherford, TX.
This course continues the program’s attention to the Secretary’s Commission on Achieving Necessary Skills (SCANS) for the workforce. The 3 Foundation skills are labeled with Roman numerals and alpha item signifiers. The 5 Competencies are labeled 1 – 5, with alpha item signifiers (see attachment).
Student Learning