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PHYC40990

Academic Year 2024/2025

Detectors and Dosimetry (PHYC40990)

Subject:
Physics
College:
Science
School:
Physics
Level:
4 (Masters)
Credits:
5
Module Coordinator:
Dr Sean Cournane
Trimester:
Autumn
Mode of Delivery:
Blended
Internship Module:
No
How will I be graded?
Letter grades

Curricular information is subject to change.

The module will introduce radiation dosimetry, the types and general characteristics of radiation dosimeters and detectors and how they are used for dose estimations and image formation in the areas of health physics, medical imaging and radiotherapy. The lectures will review the physics of a variety of dosimetry approaches and the principles which form the basis of dosimetric measurement. The configurations and operation of ion chambers will be discussed in addition to their specific applications for calibration of devices. A range of relative dosimetry techniques will be examined, including thermoluminescent, film, optically stimulated luminescence, MOSFET, semiconductor and gel dosimetry. Furthermore, the lectures will introduce the design and operation of a range of commonly-used detectors, such as pulse-mode, scintillation and semiconductor detectors. The module will examine how radiation interacts with different detector materials, their particular detection characteristics and their specific applications in the areas of radiotherapy and diagnostic imaging physics.

About this Module

Learning Outcomes:

On completion of this module, students should have acquired a clear understanding of the different dosimetric approaches and detection techniques used in medical physics. Students should have acquired an appreciation of the principles of dosimetric and detector techniques and understand their characteristic responses to incident ionising radiation. Students should also acquire an understanding of their specific applications across health physics, medical imaging and radiation oncology.

Student Effort Hours:
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

24
Specified Learning Activities

48
Autonomous Student Learning

48
Total

120

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
The module will combine lectures, group work and practical sessions. Students will be required to present the findings of their two practicals sessions in a group presentation. The module will also be assessed with an end-of term exam.

Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Not applicable to this module.
 

Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade In Module Component Repeat Offered
Group Work Assignment: Practical session on experimental measurements carried out on either a kV, MV photon, MeV electron or brachytherapy unit. The results are presented as a group. Week 5, Week 7 Standard conversion grade scale 40% No

20

 No
Group Work Assignment: Practical session on experimental measurements carried out on either a NaI(Tl), BGO, CdTe or HPGe detectors. The results are presented as a group. Week 10, Week 12 Standard conversion grade scale 40% No

20

 No
Exam (In-person): End of trimester exam. In-person exam at the exam centre. End of trimester
Duration:
2 hr(s)
 Standard conversion grade scale 40% No

60

 No

Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 

Resit In Terminal Exam
Spring Yes - 2 Hour
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 

Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment
• Group/class feedback, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Not yet recorded.

Name Role
Dr Irene Hernandez Giron Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Assoc Professor Luis Leon Vintro Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Brendan McClean Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
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