Course Details in

Module Title	LH Radiation Protection, Dosimetry and Shielding
School	Physics and Astronomy
Department	Physics & Astronomy
Module Code	03 25926
Module Lead	Dr Dave Forest
Level	Honours Level
Credits	10
Semester	Semester 1
Pre-requisites
Co-requisites
Restrictions	MEng Nuclear Engineering and BSc Nuclear Science and Materials students only
Contact Hours	Lecture-24 hours Guided independent study-76 hours Total: 100 hours
Exclusions
Description	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.
Assessment	25926-01 : Examination : Exam (Centrally Timetabled) - Written Unseen (80%) 25926-02 : Assessed problems : Coursework (20%)
Assessment Methods & Exceptions	Class Test (20%); 1.5 hours Examination (80%)
Other
Reading List