RADIATION PRODUCTION AND DETECTION

BME/MEDPHYS 580

Concepts and principles on the physics of medical imaging systems that form images using high energy photons are presented. Such systems are divided into two categories: (1) those based on the transmission of x-rays through the human body, including radiography, mammography, fluoroscopy, and computed tomography (CT), and (2) those based on the emission of gamma rays or annihilation radiation following radioactive decay of an internal radiolabeled molecule, including the gamma camera, single photon emission tomography (SPECT), and positron emission tomography (PET) and PET hybrid imaging systems. Emphasis is placed on understanding how physics, system design, and imaging technique determine image performance metrics such as contrast, signal-to-noise ratio, and spatial resolution. Clinical applications and radiation safety concepts are detailed for the different types of imaging systems.

MEDPHYS 581

Presents concepts and principles on the physics of medical radiographic imaging systems, based on the transmission of x-rays. Emphasis is placed on understanding the operation of imaging equipment and how it is used in clinical applications. Evaluation of imaging systems, optimization of their use and design and the solution of image quality problems is investigated.

MEDPHYS/NE 569

Physical and biological aspects of the use of ionizing radiation in industrial and academic institutions; physical principles underlying shielding instrumentation, waste disposal; biological effects of low levels of ionizing radiation.

BME/HONCOL/MEDPHYS/PHYSICS 501

Interactions and energy deposition by ionizing radiation in matter; concepts, quantities and units in radiological physics; principles and methods of radiation dosimetry.

MEDPHYS 663

Provides an introduction to the technical skills required in nuclear medicine physics. This includes laboratory rotations in basic radiopharmaceutical production and quality control, basic operation and quality control testing on PET and SPECT scanners, time series image analysis of radiotracer studies and nuclear medicine dosimetry and radiation safety training. Gain a firsthand understanding of the professional duties performed by a nuclear medicine medical physicist.