School of Health Sciences - HSCI 313: Principles of Radiation Detection and Measurement

Description

This course presents an introduction to the principles and practices involved in the use of radioactive isotopes in applications ranging from basic research to industrial technology. Topics covered will include the production of radioisotopes, their safe handling, the proper design of radiotracer experiments, the theory and operation of radiation detection instrumentation, error analysis, and the statistical methodology underlying the quantification of radioactivity.

Course Objectives:

The general objective of the course is to provide the student with a solid background of knowledge about radiotracer method. The specific goals are:

• To become familiar with the production and sources of the various radioisotopes encountered in the workplace and the handling practices required for their safe use.
• To understand the theory, design, and operation of the most common radiation detection instruments.
• To learn the principles of design of radiotracer experiments.
• To develop a working knowledge of error analysis and statistical methodology to be used in the design of experiments and the quantification of radioactivity.

Prerequisites:

HSCI 312. Authorized equivalent courses or consent of instructor may be used in satisfying course prerequisite.

Textbooks:

• Glenn F. Knoll, Radiation Detection and Measurement, 3rd edition. Wiley Text Books, 1999. Required.
• H. Cember, Introduction to Health Physics, 3rd edition, McGraw-Hill, 1996. Optional.
• C. H. Wang, D. L. Willis, W. D. Loveland, Radiotracer Methodology in the Biological, Environmental, and Physical Sciences, Prentice-Hall, 1975. Optional.

Topics covered include:

• Sources of radioisotopes
  • Naturally occurring radioisotopes
  • Production of radioisotopes by exposure of targets to neutrons
  • Production of radioisotopes by exposure of targets to charged particles
• Statistical methodology and error analysis pertinent to radiation measurements
  • Counting statistics
  • Propagation of errors
• Radiation detection instrumentation
  • Gas-filled detectors
  • Scintillation counters
  • Solid-state detectors
  • Track-etch detectors
• Principles in the design of valid radiotracer experiments
  • Design of radiotracer experiments
  • Radiation safety in radiotracer experiments
  • Applications of radiotracer methodology