Radiation biology and biophysics

Objectives of the course

To teach the students the principles of radiation biology and biophysics and expend and upgrade their knowledge obtained during the courses "Radiation dosimetry" and "Radioactivity and radiation protection". This will facilitate their understanding of complex phenomena in live cells which are the consequence of ionizing radiation.

Prerequisites

Not required.

Assessment methods

Written examination.

Course contents

Major chapters include: quantities, units and definitions, interaction of radiation with matter, energy transfer processes, radiation chemistry, theories and models for cell survival, survival curve and its significance, modification of the radiation response, radiation biology of normal and neoplastic tissue, late effects of radiation on normal tissues: nonstochastic effects, stochastic effects: radiation carcinogenesis, stochastic effects: genetic effects of ionizing radiation, high LET radiation effects and relative biological effectiveness, metabolism of radionuclides and biological effects of deposited radionuclides, radiation exposure from natural background and other sources

Recommended reading

• E.L. Alpen: Radiation Biophysics, Prentice Hall, Englewood Cliffs, 1990.
• J.E. Coggle: Biological Effects of Radiation, Taylor Francis Ltd, London, 1983.