ERHS 530 Radiological Physics and Dosimetry I
Syllabus
Instructor Name: Dr. Thomas E. Johnson
Instructor Contact Information:
Email:
Thomas.E.Johnson@colostate.edu
Phone: 491-0563
Textbook(s): Cember, Herman; Johnson, Thomas E.
Introduction to Health Physics, 4 edition; McGraw-Hill Medical (July 25, 2008)
(ISBN-10: 0071423087 )
(Required)
Outside references for this class:
H.E. Johns, J.R. Cunningham, The Physics of Radiology, Fourth Edition.
Charles C.Tomas Publishers (ISBN 0 300-04669-7)
F.H. Attix, Introduction to Radiological Physics and Dosimetry Wiley-Interscience (ISBN 0 471-01146-0)
G.F. Knoll, Radiation Detection and Measurement
H. Cember, Introduction to Health Physics
R.D. Evans, The Atomic Nucleus
Course Days: Monday/Wednesday/Friday, 9:00 – 9:50 a.m., MRB 111
Course Prerequisites
Completion of General Physics and Calculus courses
Course Objectives
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
• Understand the physical processes associated with radioactivity
• Understand the statistical nature of radioactive decay
• Understand the interactions of photons and neutrons with matter
• Understand the interactions of charged particles with matter
• Understand the fundamental principles of radiation dosimetry
• Review regulations pertaining to radiation safety
Course Requirements
Homework: Several sets of homework problems will be assigned. Not all problem sets will be collected.
Those collected by the instructor will be graded and returned. There may be several short quizzes
administered during the course. Quizzes will be graded and returned. Some quizzes may be unannounced.
Quiz grades will be included in the homework portion of the overall course grade.
Assigned Examinations: Two exams (55 minutes duration) and a two-hour final-examination
for a total of 400 points.
Hardware Required: Access to a PC computer
Software Required: Spreadsheet, Word processor and programs furnished by the instructor.
Recommended: "Rad Toolbox"
available free at
http://ordose.ornl.gov/downloads.html
Grading Policy: Homework/quizzes 30%, Exams and Final 60%, participation 10%
Course Outline and Schedule
| Date |
Topic |
Reading |
| Week 1 |
Basic Physics |
Chapter 2 |
| Week 2 |
Atomic Structure |
Chapter 3
|
| Week 3 |
Atomic Structure |
Chapter 3 |
Week 4
|
Radioactivity |
Chapter 4 |
| Week 5 |
Radioactivity |
Chapter 4 |
| Week 6 |
Exam 1 |
Chapter 2, 3, 4 |
| Week 7 |
Particulate radiaton |
Chapter 5 |
| Week 8 |
Photon interactions |
Chapter 5 |
| Week 9 |
Exposure |
Chapter 6 |
| Week 10 |
Radioaction Dose |
Chapter 6 |
| Week 11 |
Exam 2 |
Chapter 5, 6 |
| Week 12 |
External Dose |
Chapter 6 |
| Week 13 |
External Dose |
Chapter 6 |
| Week 14 |
Internal Dose |
Chapter 6 |
| Week 15 |
Internal Dose |
Chapter 6 |
| Week 16 |
Regulations |
Chapter 8 |
| |
Final Examination |
Chapter 2-8 |
Cheating will not be tolerated. The first time you are caught cheating you will get a ZERO for
the task (exam, quiz, plagiarism on a paper or any other task). Integrity is the cornerstone of all health
physics and any infraction, however slight, is not excusable for any reason. If another is found to be
complicit in cheating, they too will receive a zero. If you are discovered to be cheating a second time you
will receive a failing grade for the class. The Course Director will make the determination if a student
has been cheating.
Contact Information:
Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences
1681 Campus Delivery
Fort Collins, CO 80523
Phone: (970) 491-7038
Fax: (970) 491-2940
