Radiation Biology and Radiation Protection, 7.5 Credits

Contents

The course covers basic knowledge on biological effects of radiation and risks on cellular level to humans, factors that affect the dose-effect relationship and a deeper knowledge on radiation protection for ionizing and non-ionizing radiation, both in legislation and practical radiation protection technology. 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 covers in-depth knowledge of radiation protection, international recommendations, Swedish radiation protection legislation and regulations for ionizing, ultraviolet, laser and electromagnetic fields. It also includes methods for personal dosimetry, radiation protection instruments and handling of radioactive substances. The course includes mandatory lab and seminars.

 The course includes two parts:
1. Theory, 6.0 credits
2. Laboratory Work, 1.5 credits

Expected learning outcomes

Knowledge and understanding

• In detali, describe the biological effects of ionizing radiation and its risks from the cellular level to humans.
• Demonstrate knowledge of the health effects of exposure to non-ionizing radiation and national regulations and international recommendations related 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 detailed explainof the acute and late effects of ionizing radiation.

Skills and Abilities

• Independently plan and carry out radiation protection education / information for patients, the general public or professionals.
• Demonstrate the ability to interpret and orally present and discuss selected scientific articles in the field.
• Independently perform radiation protection measurements and monte carlo simulations of radiation protection situations for ionizing radiation.

Judgement and approach

• Demonstrate the ability to take a professional approach to patients and staff in information or teaching situations.
• Critically evaluate different examples of radiation protection situations and relate them to relevant radiation protection regulations.

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/5. 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 course consists of lectures, calculation exercises, seminars and laboratory work. Laboratory work and seminars are compulsory.

Examination modes

Part 1: Theoretical part 6 ECTS
The part is examined with written exam. The grade is  assessed with Fail (U), Pass (3), Pass with Credit (4) or Pass with Distinction (5).

Part 3: Laboration 1.5 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 (3), Pass with Credit (4) or Pass with Distinction (5) 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 part 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 taken two examinations in a course or part of a course without passing, has the right to have another examiner appointed, unless there are specific reasons against it (6 ch. 22, § HF). Requests for new examiners should be addressed to the head of the Department of Radiation Sciences.

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.