RT 110
RADIOLOGICAL PHYSICS AND PROTECTION
COURSE SYLLABUS
Lecture: Fri. 9:30 AM – 12:05 PM Rm: L & C 113
Lab: Fri. 7:30 – 8:55 AM
Fri. 12:30 – 1:55 PM Rm: L & C 106
Loren Sachs Office: L & C 100 C; Voice mail 714-432-5540
3 units
Text:
1. Bushong, Radiologic Science for Technologists, 10th edition
2. Statkiewicz-Sherer, Radiation Protection in Medical Radiography, 7th edition
3. Syllabus on Radiography Radiation Protection, California State Dept. of Health
4. Excerpts from Cal. Radiation Control Regulation, Title 17
Course content:
Fundamentals of radiation and radiological physics. A study of the effects of radiation in man and the principles of radiation protection as applied to radiography. This course meets the radiation protection requirements of the State of California for radiographers.
Course objectives:
1. Explain the principles of x-ray production.
2. Identify the functioning parts of x-ray equipment.
3. Identify the California laws governing radiographers and the operation of x-ray equipment.
4. Explain the biologic effects of radiation in humans.
5. Identify health physics instruments and for which purpose each is intended.
6. Identify the maximum permissible doses for operators of radiography equipment.
7. Practice the principles of radiation protection on radiographic phantoms.
8. Know the basic principles of electricity, magnetism, and electromagnetism.
9. Understand the principles in the operation of generators and motors.
10. Define the physical concept of energy and the basic structure of matter.
11. Perform laboratory experiments to demonstrate the basic fundamentals of radiation protection including time, distance, and shielding.
12. Identify the radiation shielding structural regulations and requirements.
13. Identify the major methods of reducing patient and operator exposure to ionizing radiation.
14. Understand basic principles of quality control and quality assurance in regards to operator and patient protection.
Assessment:
1. Periodic quizzes may be unannounced.
2. Homework and class/lab assignments.
3. Test dates TBD.
4. Comprehensive final exam. You must receive a ‘C’ (70%) or better on the final to pass this course. NOTE: No make-up tests will be given unless permission was obtained prior to the test.
Grading policy:
90 – 100 A
80 – 89 B
70 – 79 C
60 – 69 D; 69 and below are unacceptable for continuance in the program
Ground rules:
1. All reading assignments are to be completed before the scheduled lecture. Assignments and tests will be announced in class.
2. All assignments must be completed for credit. Any late assignment will be automatically given a 50% reduction in grade.
3. No make-up tests will be given accept by instructor’s prior approval. Quizzes will not be made up.
4. Because of the comprehensive nature of the program, a course grade of ‘F’ will be issued if the final exam is not passed with a grade of ‘C’ (70%) or better regardless of the pre-final course grade.
5. Grading system will be announced in class. Class participation and attendance will be taken into consideration. Lab and lecture = final grade.
6. All students must adhere to the OCC Academic Honest Policy as approved by the Academic Senate. Violations will be pursued and can result in program dismissal.
7. More than three (3) absences constitutes NO CREDIT for the course. On the fourth unexcused absence, the student will be dropped from the class in accordance will OCC policy.
8. Attendance for the Final Exam is mandatory – NO ATTENDANCE will result in a final course grade of ‘F’.
9. Students MUST wear a current film badge during all lab sessions.
10. Closed toe shoes (no sandals) must be worn in the lab.
11. You must have an OCC password to access the computer for assignments as directed.
STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES
The student will be able to:
1. Identify and describe the function of the components of the x-ray circuit and x-ray production.
2. Explain the basic concepts of radiation safety and apply them in the laboratory and clinical setting.
Course outline: Dates and lecture topics are subject to change
Date / Lecture topic / Reading Assignment / Lab assignmentAug 29 / Introduction;
Orientation to Radiation Safety / S. Ch 1 and 2 / Time, Distance, Shielding
Sep 5 / Interactions and Units of exposure / S. Ch 3 and 4 / Time, Distance, Shielding
Sep 12 / Biologic effects of x-rays, / S. Ch 5 - 8 / Field Congruence
Sep 19 / Basic principles of patient and operator safety / S. Ch 9 and 10 / Technical factors and dose
Sep 26 / Radiation regulations and State syllabus / S. 11 and 12 / Linearity
Oct 3 / Dose Limits / S. 13 / Reproducibility
Oct 10 / MIDTERM
Oct 17 / Electromagnetic radiation and generators / B Ch 5 / Magnification, elongation, and foreshortening
Oct 24 / Imaging System / B Ch 6
Oct 31 / X-ray Tube and X-ray Production / B Ch 7 and 8 / Timers
Nov 7 /
Cont
Nov 14 / X-ray emission / B Ch 9Nov 21 / X-ray Tissue Interaction / B Ch 10
Nov 28 / HOLIDAY /
Dec 5 / Review for final /
LAB FINAL
Dec 12 /FINAL
Quality control and quality assurance / B. Ch 31 / Geometric unsharpness49