RAD LAB - NUCLEAR MEDICINE PHYSICS

MEDPHYS/PHYSICS 688

Physics of ionizing radiation production and detection in medical science; ionization chambers, solid-state detectors, charged and neutral particles for external beam radiotherapy, radionuclides activated with accelerators for diagnostic and therapeutic applications, radiochemistry, and X-ray tube physics.

MEDPHYS 662

Provides hands on experience using and testing radiographic, fluoroscopic and mammographic x-ray systems. Imaging requirements, image quality, and radiation dose aspects of each modality are covered, along with practical methods for evaluating the performance of clinical units.

MEDPHYS 665

Provides hands on experience using and testing computerized tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and digital subtraction angiography (DSA) systems. Image quality, MRI and radiation safety, accreditation, and regulatory compliance issues with these modalities are also covered.

MEDPHYS 666

Introduces concepts and methodology for measuring acoustic properties of materials and for operating and performing physics tests of state of the art clinical ultrasound scanners. Set up and operate a laboratory apparatus employing single element ultrasound transducers. This is followed by hands on experiments that challenge students to explain physical and engineering characteristics of clinical scanners, details of operator controls, features of Doppler and color flow modes, and resolution limitations. Practical scanning exercises provide familiarity with selected applications of clinical ultrasound equipment, both for diagnosis and for guiding interventions. Routine quality assurance tests done by medical physicists are also performed.

MEDPHYS 664

Uses project-based learning (PBL) as a powerful teaching method to address common challenges and solutions addressed by medical health physicists. Each semester, students work on a different project that addresses concepts that are important in the current health physics environment.