RAD 180 - Introduction to Radiation Biology

1 Credits, 1 Contact Hours
1 lecture period 0 lab periods
An introduction to radiobiological concepts and principles. Includes history of radiobiology, fundamental radiation units, biologic and physical factors of cell and tissue radiosensitivity, and radiation induced malignancies.

Prerequisite(s): RAD 177LC
Corequisite(s): RAD 181, RAD 182, RAD 183LC
Information: Consent of program director is required before enrolling in this course.

Course Learning Outcomes

Verbally provide a brief synopsis of the history of radiation biology, including a few epidemiologic case studies that have contributed to our knowledge of radiobiology.
Identify stochastic, deterministic, occupational, and public dose limits using the correct units of radiation measurement.
State the Laws of Bergonie and Tribondeau (biologic factors) and discuss the physical factors affecting cell and organ radiosensitivity.
Identify cellular anatomy and specific cellular organelles as it related to cellular function and radiobiologic damage.
Discuss local tissue effects as it relates to the eyes and skin.

Performance Objectives:

Discuss the Standard International units of radiation measurement in relation to the type of radiation exposure they are associated with.
Briefly identify the timeline for the history of Radiobiology from 1895 to present and discuss a few epidemiologic studies that have contributed to our understanding of radiobiology.
List the three essential duties of a radiographer as it relates to radioprotection.
Describe the differences in mitosis and meiosis for somatic and genetic cell duplication.
Identify which subphase of mitosis and stage of interphase is the most radiosensitive for somatic cells.
State the Laws of Bergonie and Tribondeau (biologic factors) as it relates to cell radiosensitivity.
Briefly describe the physical factors that influence cell, tissue, and organ radiosensitivity.
Identify cellular organelles present in the cytoplasm and discuss their function and relative radiosensitivites and/ or resistance.
Explain the three basic categories of radiation hazards for whole body dose.
List the function and percentages of each critical molecule in the body.
Describe the difference in nitrogenous base pairs for RNA and DNA.
State the protracted cataractogenesis threshold dose experienced by cyclotron physicists.
State the SED and SED50 for the general population in SI units.

Outline:

Introduction, History and Categories of Biologic Effects
Radiation Units of Measurement
Cellular Anatomy;/Organelle Function
Radiosensitive Phases of Mitosis and Meiosis
Law of Bergonie and Tribondeau (Biological and Physical Factors)
Local Tissue Effects (Cytogenetic Damage)
Radiation Induced Malignancies/Life Span Shortening

Effective Term:
Fall 2024