ELEMENTS OF DOSIMETRY AND RADIOPROTECTION

Degree course: 
Corso di Second cycle degree in PHYSICS
Academic year when starting the degree: 
2024/2025
Year: 
1
Academic year in which the course will be held: 
2024/2025
Course type: 
Compulsory subjects, characteristic of the class
Language: 
English
Credits: 
6
Period: 
Second semester
Standard lectures hours: 
48
Detail of lecture’s hours: 
Lesson (48 hours)
Requirements: 

For a better understanding of the topics covered in the course, it is required that students have already attended courses of electromagnetism, physics of matter and nuclear physics.

Final Examination: 
Orale

A final oral exam will test the learning degree attained by the students on the topics covered by the course and their ability to properly apply their knowledge to the medical physics context. The exam is essentially divided into two parts: first of all, students are asked to choose and talk about a topic among those mentioned in the course.
In the second part of the exam, some questions about the remaining topics are asked, through which the teacher will check if the students have acquired a sufficient knowledge of the covered matter.

Assessment: 
Voto Finale

The course is aimed at providing students with a theoretical and practical knowledge on the issues of dosimetric and radioprotection nature that are most frequently encountered in the detention/use of ionizing radiation sources for medical practices.
The purpose is to develop the ability to identify suitable methods and approaches to the basic issues of the radiation protection. For this reason, the course can be considered preparatory to further specialized studies or to the achievement of professional post-graduate claims in this specific sector (radiation protection experts).
To achieve this goal, the theoretical approach is supported by some experimental activities in the Health Physics Department.

At the end of the course, students will be able to:
- describe the theoretical basis of radioprotection and the concepts related to dosimetry
- identify suitable methods and approaches to fare radiation protection issues
- apply dosimetric and radioprotection concepts to the medical context

Starting from a brief outline on some introductory subjects, regarding the interaction of ionizing radiations with matter and their biological effects, basic topics are discussed, such as the procedures for ionizing radiation measurements and the individual and environmental monitoring, from both a theoretical and an experimental point of view. These concepts are developed through references to the specific medical context and to the health protection of workers, population and patients.
In this context, exposure limits and quality assurance aspects are considered.
Alongside, operational procedures of practical interest (decontamination actions, radioactive waste management, safety rules, etc.) are also examined.
Notes regarding the international guidelines and the radiation protection Italian legislation, are finally presented.

Convenzionale

The course is essentially based on lectures, during which the teacher presents the topics by supporting all the statements with practical examples. When it is advisable, the teacher will provide students with additional materials, such as articles and reviews. At the beginning of the course, a copy of the teaching material (slides, scientific papers, etc.) is delivered to the students.

Professors