12174 (v.2) Medical Physics 131

Area:

Department of Applied Physics

Credits:

25.0

Contact Hours:

4.0

Lecture:

1 x 3 Hours Weekly

Laboratory:

1 x 2 Hours Weekly

Syllabus:

Production of X-rays. Radiation protection. Vectors. Electromagnetic radiation. Bremsstrahlung radiation. Attenuation of X-rays. Beam quality. Interaction of X-rays with matter. Scattering. Radiation detectors. Gas filled detectors. Solid state detectors. Other detectors. Dosimetry. Dead time. Triboelectricity. Electric fields due to point charge. Potential difference. Electrostatic problems in radiography. Magnetic field. Magnetic effects of electric current. Motors and generators. Dielectric and magnetic materials. Mathematics - Functions, Derivatives, Integration (applications and techniques), Differential equations.

Unit Outcomes:

On successful completion of this unit students will be able to outline the physical principles of of the production of x-rays, radiation detection, electricity and magnetism relevant to the discipline of medical imaging and provide a background of principles which will enable students to adapt to future developments in the discipline. They will be able to draw a schematic diagram of an x-ray tube and explain the principles and operation of the components shown, describe the production and spectrum of Bremsstrahlung radiation, explain the processes whereby radiation is absorbed in matter, define electric field and electric potential and explain the relationship between these quantities and electric charge, define the magnetic field and explain how magnetic fields can be produced and carry out basic calculations and solve problems in these topics. In terms of the mathematics component, students will be able to demonstrate an understanding of the relationship between variables through differential and integral calculus and simple numerical techniques and apply these techniques to problems in life sciences and related fields.

Text and references listed above are for your information only and current as of September 30, 2003. Please check with the unit coordinator for up-to-date information.

Unit References:

No prescribed references.

Unit Texts:

Bushberg, J. T., 1994, 'The Essential Physics of Medical Imaging', Williams and Wilkins, Baltimore. Medical Physics 131 Laboratory Manual, Curtin Publications. Lial, M., Greenwell, R. and Ritchey, N., 2002, 'Calculus with Applications', Addison Wesley, Boston.

Unit Assessment Breakdown:

Physics Laboratory Reports 10%. Physics Assignment 5%. Physics Test 5%. Physics Final Examination 30%. Mathematics short quizzes 15%. Mathematics Test 10%. Mathematics Final Examination 25%.

Year	Location	Period	Internal	Area External	Central External
2004	Bentley Campus	Semester 1	Y