Health Physics

This course is intended to teach students the basic fundamentals of health physics beginning with a review of physical principles, atomic and nuclear structure, radiation sources, radioactive decay series and differential equations, and the physical theory of interaction of radiation with matter. Students will develop skills by learning how to use available resources such as Brookhaven National Laboratory National Nuclear Data Center, Oak Ridge National Laboratory Radiological Toolbox and national Health Physics Society membership resources. Course Outcomes: 1. Explain the physical principles of energy transfer (SLO 1, 2, 3) 2. Demonstrate by calculation the application of particle mass and energy relationships involving relativistic effects (SLO 1, 2, 4) 3. Illustrate elements of the atom, transformations and radioactive decay (SLO 1, 2, 3, 4) 4. Derive the transformation mechanisms of radioactive decay (SLO 1, 2, 3, 4) 5. Explain serial transformation for various sources of radioactivity (SLO 1, 2, 3) 6. Demonstrate understanding of radiation interaction with matter (SLO 1, 2, 4) 7. Demonstrate use and application of available resources, such as Brookhaven National Laboratory's National Nuclear Data Center, Oak Ridge National Laboratory's Radiological Toolbox and national Health Physics Society membership resources (SLO 1, 2, 3, 4)

This course is intended to teach students advanced fundamentals of health physics beginning with radiation exposure, dosimetric quantities, radiation biology, standards and guidance relating to radiation safety, radiation detector theory and measurement counting statistics. Students will develop skills by learning how to use available resources, such as Brookhaven National Laboratory's National Nuclear Data Center, Oak Ridge National Laboratory's Radiological Toolbox and national Health Physics Society membership resources. Course Outcomes: 1. Calculate radiation exposure in air and material with dosimetric units (SLO 1, 2, 3, 4) 2. Illustrate the mechanisms and interactions with radiation on tissue (SLO 1, 2, 3) 3. Interpret the requirements for radiation safety regulations (SLO 1, 2, 3) 4. Describe the standards and guidance applicable to radiation safety (SLO 1, 2, 3) 5. Explain radiation detector theory for gas-filled, scintillation and semiconductor detectors for alpha, beta, gamma and neutron interaction (SLO 1, 2, 3) 6. Calculate instrument efficiency and detection capability (SLO 1, 2, 3, 4) 7. Demonstrate use and application of available resources, such as Brookhaven National Laboratory's National Nuclear Data Center, Oak Ridge National Laboratory's Radiological Toolbox, and national Health Physics Society membership resources (SLO 1, 2, 3, 4)

This course explores the chemical, physical and nuclear aspects associated with nuclear material production and identification. Topics will include nuclear fuel cycle, analysis of recovered material, nuclear policy and nuclear forensic case histories. Course Outcomes: 1. Illustrate the principles of the nuclear fuel cycle (SLO 1, 2, 3) 2. Describe common techniques used in sample collection, preparation, and analysis (non-destructive and destructive) (SLO 1, 2, 3) 3. Describe the principles of quality control needing to be applied to sampling (SLO 1, 2, 3) 4. Differentiate the nuclear forensic signatures expected within the global nuclear industry (e.g., nuclear power plant, medical isotope production facility, and illicit nuclear weapons production facility) (SLO 1, 2, 3) 5. Discuss the relevance of U.S. law and international agreements put in place to reduce the risk of illicit trafficking and proliferation (treaties, export controls) (SLO 1, 3, 4) 6. Evaluate case histories of illicit trafficking and proliferation (SLO 1, 2, 3)

This course is intended to teach students the national framework for responding to incidents involving radiological and nuclear materials and the role of historical impacts on shaping policy and accident analysis. A description of the National Contingency Plan and how it envelopes the EPA, investigative units, medical management of patients, response and recovery, societal issues, and factors affecting decision making. Course Outcomes: 1. Discuss the key provisions of the National Contingency Plan (SLO 1, 2, 3) 2. Illustrate state and local agency responsibilities for hazardous substance removal (SLO 1, 2, 3) 3. Describe the Clean Water Act, Superfund legislation and NCP (SLO 1, 2, 3) 4. Explain nuclear and radiological incidents and terrorist acts (SLO 1, 2, 3) 5. Discuss national framework of emergency response with EPA, FEMA, FBI, DOE, DOE, State and Local authorities (SLO 1,2, 3) 6. Illustrate the medical management of radiation casualties (SLO 1, 2, 3) 7. Characterize the psychosocial effects of radiological/nuclear incidents (SLO 1, 2, 3) 8. Describe the protection action guides (PAGs) and public communication (SLO 1, 2, 3) 9. Illustrate the late-phase recovery objectives and key societal issues (SLO 1, 2, 3) 10. Describe the training and qualifications for radiological disaster support (SLO 1, 2, 3) 11. Demonstrate emergency response planning and use of critical resources (SLO 1, 2, 3)

This course is intended to teach students the sources of natural and technologically enhanced radioactivity in the environment. Basic environmental transport methods and software will be explored and applied to determine dose to a worker and a member of the public based on a composite of real-world situations, in a hypothetical setting, that have historically occurred in the health physics industry. Course Outcomes: 1. Describe atmospheric properties, deposition and resuspension (SLO 1, 2, 3) 2. Explain the transport pathways and exposure to humans (SLO 1, 2, 3) 3. Demonstrate the use of atmospheric modeling software for surface and groundwater transport (SLO 1, 2, 4) 4. Evaluate differences in Norm and Tenorm (SLO 1,2, 3) 5. Explain releases from light water reactors, reactor accidents and weapons testing (SLO 1, 2, 3) 6. Discuss the history of radium and use of uranium and thorium in consumer products (SLO 1, 2, 3) 7. Employ the air dispersion model and associated calculations (SLO 1, 2, 3) 8. Illustrate uses of other software applications, such as Hotspot, EPA Comply, AER Mod (SLO 1, 2, 4)

This course is intended to teach students about the health physics challenges of nuclear power reactors, research reactors, and proposed future reactors (small modular reactors, microreactors, fusion reactors). The course will include a discussion on historic reactor and critical assembly accidents. Course Outcomes: 1. Describe how PWR and BWR in the US work and the health physic hazards associated with each type. ILO (1, 2, 3) 2. Describe how TRIGA reactors work and the health physics hazards. ILO (1, 2, 3) 3. Explain what the health physics hazards are for the nuclear fuel cycle. ILO (1, 2, 3) 4. Differentiate between fission and fusion and explain the difference in health physics hazards. ILO (1, 2, 3) 5. Calculate neutron activation and associated dose rates. ILO (1, 2, 3) 6. Discuss how experiments in research reactor environments can change the health physics hazards. ILO (1, 2, 3, 4) 7. Evaluate and present on anticipated health physics concerns and challenges of proposed small modular reactors or microreactors. ILO(1, 2, 3, 4) 8. Describe the nuclear criticality safety parameters for fissionable material. ILO (1, 2, 3)

This course is intended to cover a broad spectrum of topics in contemporary health physics (e.g., state and federal regulations, waste disposal, emergency response, dosimetry, IAEA activities, nuclear nonproliferation, radiation oncology, etc.) delivered by field experts. Additionally, the students will increase their knowledge of employment opportunities and learn basic skills, such as resume writing and interview techniques. Course Outcomes: 1. Discuss contemporary issues in health physics on a variety of topics. ILO (1, 2, 3) 2. Demonstrate awareness of employment opportunities within the field. ILO (4, 5) 3. Employ communication skills in presentation and interviewing techniques ILO (3, 4)

A class used to explore new coursework or for a specific topic of interest.

A class used to explore new coursework for a specific topic of interest.

A class used to explore new coursework or for a specific topic of special interest.

This course is intended to teach students external radiation protection, point kernel techniques, shielding calculations including National Council on Radiation Protection and Measures (NCRP) 147, and external dosimetry measurement techniques. Students will develop skills by learning how to use industry shielding software and available resources, such as Oak Ridge National Laboratory's Radiological Toolbox. Course Outcomes: 1. Calculate radiation exposure in air and material from various source geometries using point kernel techniques (SLO 1, 2, 3, 4) 2. Calculate gamma shielding requirements for various source configurations using industry software such as MicroShield (SLO 1, 2, 3, 4) 3. Determine the proper materials for radiation shielding in a medical facility (SLO 1, 2, 3) 4. Demonstrate use of commercial software, such as MicroShield (SLO 1, 2, 3, 4) 5. Evaluate a complex shielding configuration (SLO 1, 2, 3, 4) 6. Demonstrate application of available resources, such as Brookhaven National Laboratory's National Nuclear Data Center and Oak Ridge National Laboratory's Radiological Toolbox (SLO 1, 2, 4)

This course is intended to teach students internal radiation protection based on international recommendations that include International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP), National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements (NCRP) and journal publications. Furthermore, the course will include discussion and applications of Medical Internal Radiation Dose (MIRD) methods for calculating internal dose. Students will develop skills by learning how to use industry dosimetry software, such as Integrated Modules for Bioassay Analysis (IMBA) and Oak Ridge National Laboratory's Radiological Toolbox. Course Outcomes: 1. Assess the evolution of International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) recommendations and major differences as it relates to internal dosimetry (SLO 1, 2, 3) 2. Calculate internal radiation exposure for an inhalation intake using ICRP 2, ICRP 30, and ICRP 66 using first principles (SLO 1, 2, 3, 4) 3. Derive Derived Air Concentrations (DACs) and Annual Limits on Intake (ALIs) based on permissible levels and appropriate dose coefficients (SLO 1, 2, 3, 4) 4. Evaluate internal radiation safety methods that include engineering and administrative controls and respiratory protection (SLO 1, 2, 3) 5. Calculate internal dose to patients from radiopharmaceutical administration using Medical Internal Radiation Dose (MIRD) methods (SLO 1, 2, 3, 4) 6. Demonstrate use of commercial software for calculating internal dose (SLO 1, 2, 3, 4) 7. Analyze and present a case study of an individual internal contamination event (SLO 1, 2, 3, 4)

This course is intended to teach students molecular mechanisms of radiation interaction, cell survival curves, cellular radiosensitivity, dose fractionation, acute radiation syndrome, medical countermeasures, radiation carcinogenesis, teratogenesis, and radiation protection. Students will develop skills by learning how to use applicable sections of the Oak Ridge National Laboratory's Radiological Toolbox. Course Outcomes: 1. Describe molecular mechanisms of radiation interaction (SLO 1, 2, 3) 2. Derive the cell survival curve and how it was generated (SLO 1, 2, 3) 3. Explain the cellular mitosis cycle and stages of radiosensitivity (SLO 1, 2, 3) 4. Determine the effects on the hematopoietic and gastro-intestinal system following a significant radiation exposure (SLO 1, 2, 3) 5. Evaluate medical countermeasures and when they are used following a significant acute radiation event (SLO 1, 2, 3) 6. Differentiate embryo stages of development and its radiosensitivity (SLO 1, 2, 3) 7. Evaluate and present on one topic of radiation biology that illustrates contemporary understanding of the topic (SLO 1, 2, 3, 4)

This course is intended to teach students the basic physics principles and applications of radiation detecting instruments, with laboratory exercises. The course emphasizes techniques and instrumentation for nuclear radiation detection and measurements as they relate to health physics (radiation safety) and nuclear physics. Laboratory exercises implement classroom knowledge through experience with various counting systems. Course Outcomes: 1. Explain radioactivity, radiation interactions, and counting statistics (SLO 1, 2, 4) 2. Describe the general properties of radiation detectors (SLO 1, 2, 3) 3. Demonstrate pulse processing, shaping and pulse functions (SLO 1, 2, 3, 4) 4. Explain and demonstrate the multichannel pulse analysis (SLO 1, 2, 4) 5. Determine the proper materials for radiation shielding in a medical facility (SLO 1, 2, 3) 6. Demonstrate use gas-filled detectors (SLO 1, 2, 3, 4) 7. Demonstrate use of scintillation detectors (SLO 1, 2, 3, 4) 8. Evaluate methods for radiation spectroscopy (SLO 1, 2, 3) 9. Demonstrate use of semiconductor detectors (SLO 1, 2, 3, 4) 10. Demonstrate use of neutron detectors (SLO 1, 2, 3, 4)

This course is intended to provide students an introduction to the field of Medical Health Physics. Topics in this course will include the diagnostic and therapeutic use of x-rays and nuclear medicine, radiation protection and regulation, radiation accidents, waste management and disposal. Course Outcomes: 1. Evaluate the sources of radiation in the medical environment (SLO 1, 2, 4) 2. Discuss the methods used in diagnostic x-rays (SLO 1, 2, 3) 3. Examine the use of nuclear medicine in diagnostic x-rays (SLO 1, 2, 4) 4. Explain the methods used in x-ray and gamma radiation for therapeutic use (SLO 1, 2, 3) 5. Demonstrate radiation protection use in diagnostic and therapy applications (SLO 1, 2, 4) 6. Evaluate radiation accidents in the medical industry (SLO 1, 2, 3) 7. Describe waste management and disposal (SLO 1, 2, 4)

This course is intended to teach students the formation of the nuclear and regulatory environment in the United States and the role of Independent Domestic and International Consensus Standards. Course Outcomes: 1. Describe the federal regulatory agencies and their role(s) (SLO 1, 2, 3) 2. Summarize regulatory development and the Federal Register (SLO 1, 2, 3) 3. Evaluate the differences between Nuclear Regulatory Commission and Department of Energy regulations (SLO 1, 2, 3) 4. Discuss the role of the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP), National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements (NCRP) and National Academy of Sciences (SLO 1,2, 3) 5. Compare the Federal Guidance Reports, International Commission on Radiation Units and Measurements (ICRU), Department of Transportation (DOT) and International Air Transport Association (IATA) (SLO 1, 2, 3) 6. Discuss regulations for the environment (SLO 1, 2, 3) 7. Appraise the licensing of Nuclear Power Plants and other Nuclear Regulatory Commission licensing (SLO 1, 2, 3) 8. Discuss role of Nuclear Regulatory Commission and agreement states (SLO 1, 2, 3) 9. Explain additional rules governing radiation waste (SLO 1, 2, 3)

This course is intended to prepare students to take the nationally recognized Certified Health Physicist (CHP) exam with an emphasis on problem-solving skills. This course reviews all general areas of health physics and is recommended for students who are completing the Health Physics BAS program. This course reviews the fundamentals of health physics beginning with radiation physics, environmental radioactivity, internal dosimetry, external dosimetry, instrumentation, regulations, counting statistics, and nonionizing radiation. Students will develop skills in problem-solving techniques and techniques applicable to the industry. Course Outcomes: 1. Calculate radiation exposure in air and material from various source ILO (1, 2, 3, 4) 2. Interpret the requirements for radiation safety regulations ILO (1, 2, 3) 3. Employ the air dispersion model and associated calculations ILO (1, 2, 3) 4. Calculate internal radiation exposure using ICRP recommendations ILO (1, 2, 3, 4) 5. Explain fundamental concepts in instrument theory ILO (1, 2, 3) 6. Demonstrate problem solving skills for complex Health Physics scenarios ILO (1, 2, 3, 4)

This second seminar in the series is intended to expand knowledge spectrum of topics in contemporary health physics, delivered by field experts, and explore local employment opportunities. Course Outcomes: 1. Discuss contemporary issues in health physics on a variety of topics (SLO 1, 2, 3) 2. Demonstrate awareness of employment opportunities within the field (SLO 4, 5) 3. Employ communication skills in presentation and interviewing techniques (SLO 3, 4)