Radiation Dosimetry (6 lectures)- Dosimetric quantities and units; field, interaction, conversion and energy deposition. Deposition processes; interrelationship between quantities. Simple methods for estimation of dose rates around radioactive sources; point gamma and beta. Fano and Bragg-Gray theorems; application of cavity theory to dosimetry of X and gamma-rays, electrons and beta particles. Practical considerations in the design and usage of ionisation chambers. Neutron dosimetry. Significance of LET; determination of LET spectra, mixed-field dosimetry. Fundamentals of microdosimetry. Review of dosimetry techniques; calorimetric, chemical, solid state.
Radiological Protection (12 lectures) Development of radiological protection. Quantities and units used in radiological protection. Biological effects, including deterministic and stochastic effects. Risk estimates and a comparison with other occupational risks. International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) : principles and recommendations. External and Internal hazards; control measures and monitoring. Dose calculations. Annual limits on intake. Classification of persons and desigdation of areas. Practical aspects of radiological monitoring systems - electronic dosemeters, TL dosemeters, film badges; neutron dosimetry, solid-state nuclear track detectors, albedo dosemeters, air-sampling methods; internal dose assessment procedures. ICRP Publication 60 and the corresponding NRPB recommendations. U K legislation including the Ionizing Radiation Regulations, 1999. The roles of the various regulatory authorities. Public perception of risk. A debate on the acceptability of man-made radiation exposures.
Radiation Shielding (6 lectures) gamma-ray and neutron shielding calculations; gamma-ray attenuation and build-up factors. Treatment of complex geometries; distributed and self-shielded sources. Methods for complex spectra, including X-ray generators and irradiated nuclear fuel.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the module students should be able to:
Demonstrate an understanding of the nature of the interaction of radiation in matter;
Describe a variety of dosimetric quantities and units;
Describe a range of dosimetric techniques;
Demonstrate an understanding of key issues around radiological protection;
Explain and understand deterministic and stochastic radiation effects;
Perform dose calculations and understand the range of dosimetry techniques;
Have an understanding of the regulations that govern ionizing radiation within the UK;
Calculate attenuation and build-up factors for various radiations including gamma-rays;
Demonstrate an awareness of how to calculate attenuation and build-up for a range of complex geometries.