OVERVIEW

The class explores physics processes, in particular those related to of ionizing radiations, that find application in medicine, environmental  sciences and archaeometry.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

To provide students with an overview of the applications of nuclear physics techniques in various fields of work, ranging from technology to the health and environmental sectors and the arts.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

The student will acquire the essential elements to undertake a career, in the research or professional sector, in the fields of medical, environmental and cultural heritage physics; in particular for all that concerns the applications to the physics of ionizing radiation, the main systems of measurement of the same and the aspects of radiation protection. In particular, we aim to make students aware of the main characteristics and skills of the profession of medical physicist which can be accessed through the postgraduate specialization school.

PREREQUISITES

None but the knowledges of the bachelor in physics.

TEACHING METHODS

The class is mainly based on classroom lectures.
A laboratory training session and visits to specific equipment in a hospital bring the student closer to the typical instrumentation related to ionizing radiation and spectrometric techniques and to the clinic application.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

Dosimetry of ionizing radiation. Biological effects of radiation, dosimetric units (Exposure, Dose, Equivalent Dose), dosimetric measurements, cavity theory, outline of radiation protection legislation. Shielding. Calculation of shielding for α, β, γ, X and neutron radiation: point-like and extended sources, build-up. Shielding of large installations. The Monte Carlo method. Spectrometric chains. Detectors for α, β, γ, X and n used in the applied physics, electronic chains for spectrometric measurements, tissue-equivalent fchambers, portable detectors for environmental inspections, radioactive contamination measurements. Medical physics: X-ray and tomography, SPECT, PET and NMR diagnostics, radiotherapy and hadrontherapy, Dating techniques: Dating with 14C and other isotopes, thermoluminescence. Compositional analysis techniques. Neutron activation and analysis with beams of ions and photons: physical principles of the different methods, sensitivity, typical instrumentation, examples of application .

Laboratory. training on γ spectrometry: calibration of a spectrometric chain for quantitative measurements, analysis of environmental samples.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

Book-texts on specific topics will be indicated during the class. All the didactic material (slides, tables and other documents) is available on the web.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

LESSONS

LESSONS START

See the calendar at the link: https://corsi.unige.it/corsi/9012/studenti-orario

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

Oral exam. The student  will answer questions related to the class program

ASSESSMENT METHODS

During the oral exame, the commission, composed of the teachers the class, will formulate questions in order to assess the degree of preparation of the student and her/his ability to critically discuss the contents of the class. Synthesis and communication skills will also be evaluated.

FURTHER INFORMATION

Students who have valid certification of physical or learning disabilities on file with the University and who wish to discuss possible accommodations or other circumstances regarding lectures, coursework and exams, should speak both with the instructor and with Professor Sergio Di Domizio (sergio.didomizio@unige.it), the Department’s disability liaison.