NE 162 - Radiation Biophysics and Dosimetry

Spring 2008

Course Description : Radioactivity, sources of radiation and radioactivity, interaction of radiation with matter, dosimetry units and measurement, biological effects of ionizing radiation, theories and models for cell survival, radiation sensitivity and carcinogenesis, metabolism of radionuclides, radiation-exposure regulations, calculation of radiation exposure and dose, medical (diagnostic and therapy) and industrial application of radiation, environmental dispersion, biological pathways, radiation protection guides, radiation transport inshielding, introduction to the MCNP Monte Carlo code, personnel and environmentalmonitoring.

Goals: The course is designed to provide students with an elementary background in the basic physical and biological factors governing radiation effects in man and with practical means for assessing and controlling the radiation doses expected from various radiation fields.

Prerequisites : NE101 (Nuclear Physics) is not a prerequisite any more

Grading :

• 40% Homework, 30% 2 Midterms, 30% FinalExam.
• Late homework - 20% off up to 2 days late, 40% off after 2 days.
• The on-line homework solutions will not be posted until all homeworks are turned in.After a week, late homeworks will no longer be collected.
• (Everyone must do all the assignments)

Textbooks:

• J. Turner, "Atoms, Radiation, and Radiation Protection," John Wiley&Sons, Inc. (1995)

• A.G. Chmielewski, C.M. kang, C.S. Kang, and J.L. Vujic, "Radiation Technology: Introduction to Industrial and Environmental Applications", Seoul National University Press (2006)
  
• J. K. Shultis and R. E. Faw, "Radiation Shielding," American Nuclear Society (2000)
• R. E. Faw and J. K. Shultis, "Radiological Assessment: Sources and Doses, American Nuclear Society (1999)
• E. L. Alpen, "Radiation Biophysics," Academic Press (1998)
• H. Cember - "Introduction to Health Physics," Third Edition, McGraw-Hill (1996)

• All students should get the course computer accounts at DECF
• NE students should also contact Bill King, 510 / 642-1021 bking@nuc.berkeley.edu
• DECF - 1171/1111 Etcheverry Hall (the course accounts will be provided) consult@newton.berkeley.edu