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PHYC41020

Academic Year 2024/2025

Radiation Protection & Safety (PHYC41020)

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

Curricular information is subject to change.

This module is designed to provide an introduction to radiation protection and safety principles specific to the area of medical physics. The module begins by providing a concise historical account of radiation effects and the subsequent development of the system of radiological protection. The lectures include an overview of the relevant EU and Irish legislation which governs the protection of workers and members of the public from the harmful effects of ionising radiation, and sets out the basic safety standards for protection against dangers arising from medical exposure to ionising radiation. Internal and external radiation dose estimation techniques, for radiation exposure from a range of diagnostic imaging and radiotherapy procedures, are discussed for patients, staff and members of the public. Lectures provide an introduction to radiation shielding principles, procedure room design and practical approaches towards optimum radiological protection and special protective measures in the hospital environment. Lectures also include an overview of radiation risk assessment approaches, considering and addressing the possibility of exposures from foreseeable incidents. Finally, best practice safety procedures when using ultraviolet (UV) radiation, Laser radiation and Electro-medical devices are discussed.

About this Module

Learning Outcomes:

On completion of this module, students should have acquired a clear appreciation of modern radiological protection principles and the relevant legislation which governs the protection of patient, staff and members of the public from ionising radiation. The student should have acquired an understanding of the practical implementation of radiation protection measures in the hospital environment and an approach to risk assessment. Students should also have acquired knowledge on non-ionising radiation protection principles and practices in medicine.

Student Effort Hours:
Student Effort Type Hours
Specified Learning Activities

48
Autonomous Student Learning

48
Lectures

24
Total

120

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
The module will combine lectures, group work and discussion sessions. Students will be required to present the findings of their four assignments in group presentation format. 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
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
Group Work Assignment: Group presentation on Radiation Protection communication to non-expert staff. Week 3 Standard conversion grade scale 40% No

10

 No
Group Work Assignment: Scenario-based discussion on the application of S.I. 30 (2019) legislation. Week 6 Standard conversion grade scale 40% No

10

 No
Group Work Assignment: Scenario-based discussion on the application of S.I. 256 (2018) legislation. Week 9 Standard conversion grade scale 40% No

10

 No
Group Work Assignment: Scenario-based risk assessment presentation. Week 12 Standard conversion grade scale 40% No

10

 No

Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 

Resit In Terminal Exam
Summer 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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