Syllabus
Fall 2006
Course Objectives
Students will study the philosophy and scientific basis for development of regulations for radiation
protection. This includes naturally occurring radiation, health effects determined by epidemiology and
summaries of scientific results compiled by the National Academy of Sciences (BEIR Reports). This is
followed by a review of existing laws and regulations relating to radiation protection and public health.
Students will be expected to locate, interpret and reference these regulations.
The second part of the course is a series of discussions on contemporary topics involving radiation in society. This covers topics such as, environmental restoration, nuclear waste management, compensation to previously exposed radiation workers and public involvement in descision making. After learning how the experts have responded to these issues, students will be asked to give their response to actual situations (.radon testing associated with real estate transactions) or simulated situations (.make a presentation to the PTA concerning plans to build a radiation therapy clinic next to an elementary school).
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
Class Schedule
(Note: This schedule is tentative, and subject to change, depending on availability of
equipment and sources.)
| Date | Topic | Lecturer |
|---|---|---|
| Week 1 | Introduction to Public Health; Natural Background Radiation | T. Borak |
| Week2 | Introduction to Epidemiology | J. Peel |
| Week 3 | Non Ionizing Radiation, Risks and Regulations | T. Johnson |
| Week 4 | The System of Regulations for Industrial Hygiene and Occupational Health |
W. Brazile |
| Week 5 | Implementation of Regulations in Colorado | J. Jarvis/B. Vamvakias |
| Week 6 | Risks from Ionizing Radiation (BEIR V, UNSCEAR) | T. Borak |
| Week 6 | History and Process for forming Regulations Relating to Ionizing Radiation |
T. Johnson |
| Week 7 | Radon: Risks and Regulations | T. Borak |
| Week 8 | Spring Recess | |
| Week 9 | Nuclear Power and Society | J. Zimbrick |
| Week 10 | Transportation of Radioactive Materials | T. Johnson |
| Week 11 | The Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program (EEOICPA) | N. Daugherty |
| Week 12 | The Radiation Exposure Compensation Act | T. Borak |
| Week 13 | Radioactive Waste: Classification, Quantities and Repositories | J. Zimbrick |
| Week 14 | Public Involvement in Scientific Decisions Relating to Radiation | K. Meyer |
| Week 15 | BEIR VII: Implications for Radiation Protection and Future Regulations | R. Ullrich |
| Week 16 | Review and Discussion |
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.
Mailing Address
Environmental & Radiological Health Sciences
