MRS Physics & Radiation Protection


This course develops foundation knowledge of physics and instrumentation, radiobiology & radiation protection associated with Medical Radiation Science (MRS). Issues discussed include physical principles and instrumentation associated with diagnostic radiography, radiation therapy and nuclear medicine, including interaction of radiation with matter.

Radiobiology, radiation protection, measurement and detection of radiation and determinants of image quality are also discussed.



  • Semester 2 - 2017

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of the course students will be able to:

1. Explain how ionizing radiation is produced for imaging as well as for treatment.

2. Describe how the quality of an X-ray beam is characterized (quantity & quality), and its determinants.

3. Describe the associated equipment used for producing an image and for improving image quality.

4. Understand the biological effect that occurs when radiation interacts with the body.

5. Describe the various dosimetric quantities used to describe radiation dose.

6. Describe the equipment used for the detection of radiation.

7. Understand the principles of radiation protection.

8. Solve problems involved in radiation protection and dose reduction.


Topics will include:

  1. Production of X-ray beams in diagnostic radiography and radiation therapy
  2. Production of radiopharmaceuticals
  3. Characteristics of radiation
  4. Image quality and methods used to improve image quality
  5. Radiobiology
  6. Principles of Radiation Protection
  7. Radiation Protection in Practice
  8. Radiation Measurement

Assumed Knowledge


Assessment Items

Tutorial / Laboratory Exercises: Laboratory Experiments

Formal Examination: Final exam *

In Term Test: Mid Semester Test

* This assessment has a compulsory requirement.

Compulsory Requirements


Course Assessment Requirements:

  • Formal Examination: Pass Requirement - Students must pass this assessment item to pass the course. - Students must score at least 40% in the Final Exam to pass this course to ensure knowledge based learning outcomes are met.

Contact Hours



Face to Face On Campus 3 hour(s) per Week for 2 Weeks


Face to Face On Campus 4 hour(s) per Week for 9 Weeks


Face to Face On Campus 1 hour(s) per Week for 9 Weeks