Ateneo - UPO

The course aims to deepen the knowledge learned in the "Radioactivity and Radioprotection" and "Physical techniques for diagnosis and therapy" courses through an experimental and computational approach. The topics that will be covered in this course in the form of laboratory exercises are the following: Absorption of X and gamma radiation. Monte Carlo simulation methods, application to the calculation of shielding and the formulation of treatment plans in radiotherapy. Determination of X-ray image quality using ImageJ software. Experimentation of the operating principle of PET through a simplified setup.

Provide solid experimental and computational foundations on the main diagnostic imaging and radiotherapy techniques.
The student must be able to fully understand the principles illustrated in the specialisation courses, to apply the Monte Carlo method in simple situations such as the calculation of shielding and to understand how a treatment plan can be formulated with different radiotherapy techniques. The student must also be able to evaluate the quality of diagnostic images.

- Knowledge and understanding:
Acquisition of knowledge on radiation absorption. Knowledge of Monte Carlo simulation methods used in Health Physics. Acquire practical experience on determining the quality of diagnostic images. Understanding of the operating principles of PET.
- Applying knowledge and understanding:
To be able to apply the notions acquired on the evaluation of quality of X-ray diagnostic images. To be able to use the Monte Carlo method to calculate shielding and to set up treatment plans.
- Making judgements:
Knowing how to evaluate the correctness of the method and of the results presented in a laboratory report and in a scientific article.
- Communication skills:
Ability to organise team work (also in view of future job placement), ability to communicate the experimental procedure and the result of an experiment through the laboratory logbook, using text, graphs, tables.

- Learning skills:
The student will have to acquire a certain mastery of the experimental techniques mentioned in order to be able to expand his knowledge on the subject.