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 ILOs 1, 2, & 3. 2. Demonstrate by calculation the application of particle mass and energy relationships involving relativistic effects ILOs 1, 2, & 4. 3. Illustrate elements of the atom, transformations and radioactive decay ILOs 1, 2, 3, & 4. 4. Derive the transformation mechanisms of radioactive decay ILOs 1, 2, 3, & 4. 5. Explain serial transformation for various sources of radioactivity ILOs 1, 2, & 3. 6. Demonstrate understanding of radiation interaction with matter ILOs 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 ILOs 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 ILOS 1, 2, 3, & 4. 2. Illustrate the mechanisms and interactions with radiation on tissue ILOS 1, 2, & 3. 3. Interpret the requirements for radiation safety regulations ILOS 1, 2, & 3. 4. Describe the standards and guidance applicable to radiation safety ILOS 1, 2, & 3. 5. Explain radiation detector theory for gas-filled, scintillation and semiconductor detectors for alpha, beta, gamma and neutron interaction ILOS 1, 2, & 3. 6. Calculate instrument efficiency and detection capability ILOS 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 ILOS 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 ILOS 1, 2, & 3. 2. Describe common techniques used in sample collection, preparation, and analysis (non-destructive and destructive) ILOS 1, 2, & 3. 3. Describe the principles of quality control needing to be applied to sampling ILOS 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) ILOS 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) ILOS 1, 3, & 4. 6. Evaluate case histories of illicit trafficking and proliferation ILOS 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 ILOS 1, 2, & 3. 2. Illustrate state and local agency responsibilities for hazardous substance removal ILOS 1, 2, & 3. 3. Describe the Clean Water Act, Superfund legislation and NCP ILOS 1, 2, & 3. 4. Explain nuclear and radiological incidents and terrorist acts ILOS 1, 2, & 3. 5. Discuss national framework of emergency response with EPA, FEMA, FBI, DOE, DOE, State and Local authorities ILOS 1, 2, & 3. 6. Illustrate the medical management of radiation casualties ILOS 1, 2, & 3. 7. Characterize the psychosocial effects of radiological/nuclear incidents ILOS 1, 2, & 3. 8. Describe the protection action guides (PAGs) and public communication ILOS 1, 2, & 3. 9. Illustrate the late-phase recovery objectives and key societal issues ILOS 1, 2, & 3. 10. Describe the training and qualifications for radiological disaster support ILOS 1, 2, & 3. 11. Demonstrate emergency response planning and use of critical resources ILOS 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 ILOS 1, 2, & 3. 2. Explain the transport pathways and exposure to humans ILOS 1, 2, & 3. 3. Demonstrate the use of atmospheric modeling software for surface and groundwater transport ILOS 1, 2, & 4. 4. Evaluate differences in Norm and Tenorm ILOS 1, 2, & 3. 5. Explain releases from light water reactors, reactor accidents and weapons testing ILOS 1, 2, & 3. 6. Discuss the history of radium and use of uranium and thorium in consumer products ILOS 1, 2, & 3. 7. Employ the air dispersion model and associated calculations ILOS 1, 2, & 3. 8. Illustrate uses of other software applications, such as Hotspot, EPA Comply, AER Mod ILOS 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 ILOS 1, 2, & 3. 2. Describe how TRIGA reactors work and the health physics hazards ILOS 1, 2, & 3. 3. Explain what the health physics hazards are for the nuclear fuel cycle ILOS 1, 2, & 3. 4. Differentiate between fission and fusion and explain the difference in health physics hazards ILOS 1, 2, & 3. 5. Calculate neutron activation and associated dose rates ILOS 1, 2, & 3. 6. Discuss how experiments in research reactor environments can change the health physics hazards ILOS 1, 2, 3, & 4. 7. Evaluate and present on anticipated health physics concerns and challenges of proposed small modular reactors or microreactors ILOS 1, 2, 3, & 4. 8. Describe the nuclear criticality safety parameters for fissionable material ILOS 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 ILOS 1, 2, & 3. 2. Demonstrate awareness of employment opportunities within the field ILOS 4 & 5. 3. Employ communication skills in presentation and interviewing techniques ILOS 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 ILOs 1, 2, 3, & 4. 2. Calculate gamma shielding requirements for various source configurations using industry software such as MicroShield ILOs 1, 2, 3, & 4. 3. Determine the proper materials for radiation shielding in a medical facility ILOs 1, 2, & 3. 4. Demonstrate use of commercial software, such as MicroShield ILOs 1, 2, 3, & 4. 5. Evaluate a complex shielding configuration ILOs 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 ILOs 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 ILOs 1, 2, & 3. 2. Calculate internal radiation exposure for an inhalation intake using ICRP 2, ICRP 30, and ICRP 66 using first principles ILOs 1, 2, 3, & 4. 3. Derive Derived Air Concentrations (DACs) and Annual Limits on Intake (ALIs) based on permissible levels and appropriate dose coefficients ILOs 1, 2, 3, & 4. 4. Evaluate internal radiation safety methods that include engineering and administrative controls and respiratory protection ILOs 1, 2, & 3. 5. Calculate internal dose to patients from radiopharmaceutical administration using Medical Internal Radiation Dose (MIRD) methods ILOs 1, 2, 3, & 4. 6. Demonstrate use of commercial software for calculating internal dose ILOs 1, 2, 3, & 4. 7. Analyze and present a case study of an individual internal contamination event ILOs 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 ILOs 1, 2, & 3. 2. Derive the cell survival curve and how it was generated ILOs 1, 2, & 3. 3. Explain the cellular mitosis cycle and stages of radiosensitivity ILOs 1, 2, & 3. 4. Determine the effects on the hematopoietic and gastro-intestinal system following a significant radiation exposure ILOs 1, 2, & 3. 5. Evaluate medical countermeasures and when they are used following a significant acute radiation event ILOs 1, 2, & 3. 6. Differentiate embryo stages of development and its radiosensitivity ILOs 1, 2, & 3. 7. Evaluate and present on one topic of radiation biology that illustrates contemporary understanding of the topic ILOs 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 ILOs 1, 2, & 4. 2. Describe the general properties of radiation detectors ILOs 1, 2, & 3. 3. Demonstrate pulse processing, shaping and pulse functions ILOs 1, 2, 3, & 4. 4. Explain and demonstrate the multichannel pulse analysis ILOs 1, 2, & 4. 5. Determine the proper materials for radiation shielding in a medical facility ILOs 1, 2, & 3. 6. Demonstrate use of gas-filled detectors ILOs 1, 2, 3, & 4. 7. Demonstrate use of scintillation detectors ILOs 1, 2, 3, & 4. 8. Evaluate methods for radiation spectroscopy ILOs 1, 2, & 3. 9. Demonstrate use of semiconductor detectors ILOs 1, 2, 3, & 4. 10. Demonstrate use of neutron detectors ILOs 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 ILOs 1, 2, & 4. 2. Discuss the methods used in diagnostic x-rays ILOs 1, 2, & 3. 3. Examine the use of nuclear medicine in diagnostic x-rays ILOs 1, 2, & 4. 4. Explain the methods used in x-ray and gamma radiation for therapeutic use ILOs 1, 2, & 3. 5. Demonstrate radiation protection use in diagnostic and therapy applications ILOs 1, 2, & 4. 6. Evaluate radiation accidents in the medical industry ILOs 1, 2, & 3. 7. Describe waste management and disposal ILOs 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) ILOs 1, 2, & 3. 2. Summarize regulatory development and the Federal Register ILOs 1, 2, & 3. 3. Evaluate the differences between Nuclear Regulatory Commission and Department of Energy regulations ILOs 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 ILOs 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) ILOs 1, 2, & 3. 6. Discuss regulations for the environment ILOs 1, 2, & 3. 7. Appraise the licensing of Nuclear Power Plants and other Nuclear Regulatory Commission licensing ILOs 1, 2, & 3. 8. Discuss role of Nuclear Regulatory Commission and agreement states ILOs 1, 2, & 3. 9. Explain additional rules governing radiation waste ILOs 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 ILOs 1, 2, 3, & 4. 2. Interpret the requirements for radiation safety regulations ILOs 1, 2, & 3. 3. Employ the air dispersion model and associated calculations ILOs 1, 2, & 3. 4. Calculate internal radiation exposure using ICRP recommendations ILOs 1, 2, 3, & 4. 5. Explain fundamental concepts in instrument theory ILOs 1, 2, & 3. 6. Demonstrate problem solving skills for complex Health Physics scenarios ILOs 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 ILOs 1, 2, & 3. 2. Demonstrate awareness of employment opportunities within the field ILOs 4 & 5. 3. Employ communication skills in presentation and interviewing techniques ILOs 3 & 4.