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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.

Texts and references listed below are for your information only and current as of September 30, 2003. Some units taught offshore are modified at selected locations. Please check with the unit coordinator for up-to-date information and approved offshore variations to unit information before finalising study and textbook purchases.

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%.

Field of Education:

 10300 Physics and Astronomy (Narrow Grouping)

HECS Band (if applicable):

2  

Extent to which this unit or thesis utilises online information:

 Informational  

Result Type:

 Grade/Mark


Availability

YearLocationPeriodInternalArea ExternalCentral External
2004Bentley CampusSemester 1Y  

Area
External
refers to external course/units run by the School or Department, offered online or through Web CT, or offered by research.
Central
External
refers to external course/units run through the Curtin Bentley-based Distance Education Area

 
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