Radiation Biology and Radiation Protection, 7.5 credits

Contents

The course covers basic knowledge on biological effects of radiation and risks for humans, factors that affect the dose-effect relationship. the course give a deeper knowledge on radiation protection for ionizing and non-ionizing radiation, both in legislation and practical radiation protection techniques. The course covers radiation effects at cellular level including the formation of free radicals, chromosome breakage and repair mechanisms as well as target theory and the dose-response curves. It also includes radiation effects on individual organs and humans, somatic, genetic as well as immediate and late radiation damages and factors affecting the relationship between dose and biological effects. The course also give in-depth knowledge of radiation protection, international recommendations, Swedish radiation protection legislation and regulations for ionizing, ultraviolet, laser and electromagnetic fields. It also includes methodology for personal dosimetry, radiation protection instruments and handling of radioactive substances. The course includes mandatory laboratory work and seminars.

The course comprises two modules:
1. Theory, 6.0 credits
2. Laboratory Work, 1.5 credits

Expected learning outcomes

The student should be able to:

• Describe in detail the biological effects of ionizing radiation and its risks from the cellular level to humans.
• Demonstrate knowledge of health effects of exposure to non-ionizing radiation and national regulations and international recommendations linked to these.
• Interpret dose-response curves and independently summarize the factors that affect the dose-effect relationship.
• Independently explain the principles of radiation protection for both ionizing and non-ionizing radiation.
• In detail explain the acute and late effects of ionizing radiation.
• Explain how the national emergency preparedness is organized in the event of radiation accidents

Skills and abilities

• Independently plan and implement radiation protection education/information to patients, the public or professionals.
• Demonstrate the ability to interpret and orally present and discuss selected scientific articles in the field.
• Independently perform measurements and Monte Carlo simulations for radiation protection situations.

Judgment and approach

• Demonstrate the ability to have a professional approach towards patients/staff in information/educational situations.
• Critically evaluate different examples of radiation protection situations and relate to relevant radiation protection regulations.
• Critically reason about appropriate measures in the event of radiological accidents.
  
  

Required Knowledge

University: At least 90 ECTS credits including the courses Radiation Dosimetry 15 ECTS, Environmental Radiology 7.5 ECTS, Introductory Course in Medicine, 5 ECTS, or corresponding. Proficiency in English equivalent to Swedish upper secondary course English A. Where the language of instruction is Swedish, applicants must prove proficiency in Swedish to the level required for basic eligibility for higher studies.

Form of instruction

The teaching is campus-based and conducted in the form of lectures, problem-solving sessions, laboratory work, and seminars. Laboratory sessions and seminars are compulsory. The language of instruction is Swedish or English.

Examination modes

Module 1: Theoretical part 6 ECTS
The part is examined with written exam. The grade is assessed with Fail (U), Pass (G), Pass with merit (VG).

Module 2: Laboratory work1.5 ECTS.
The module is examined with the following tests:

• Written laboratory report
• Oral presentation of the literature seminar
• Oral presentation of the case seminar.

All exams are assessed with Fail (U) or Pass (G). The module is graded with one of the grades Fail (U) or Pass (G) and is set when all the exams are passed. If any of the tests have been assessed with the result Fail (U), the grade Fail (U) is given on the module provided that the student has completed all the exams in the module.

On the whole course the grades Fail (U), Pass (G), Pass with merit (VG) are set. To pass the course it requires that all examinations and obligatory tasks are approved. The grade is based on the grade received on module 1 and will not be given until all obligatory modules have been approved.

Students who received a passing grade on an examination may not retake the examination.

Deviations from the course syllabus examination form can be made for a student who has a decision on pedagogical support due to disability. Individual adaptation of the examination form should be considered based on the student's needs. The examination form is adapted within the framework of the expected syllabus of the course syllabus. At the request of the student, the course responsible teacher, in consultation with the examiner, must promptly decide on the adapted examination form. The decision must then be communicated to the student.

A student who has passed two tests for a course or part of a course without a passing result, has the right to have another examiner appointed, unless there are special reasons against it (HF ch. 6 § 22). The request for a new examiner is made to the head of the Department of Radiation Sciences. For more information, see Rules for grades and examinations at basic and advanced level, dnr: FS 1.1-574-22.

Other regulations

In the event that the syllabus ceases to apply or undergoes major changes, students are guaranteed at least three examinations (including the regular examination opportunity) according to the regulations in the syllabus that the student was originally registered on for a period of a maximum of two years from the time that the previous syllabus ceased to apply or that the course ended.