RADT 247 Radiation Biology and Protection

This course provides a comprehensive study of radiation biology and radiation protection principles as outlined in the ARRT content specifications. Emphasis is placed on the interaction of ionizing radiation with living systems, including the effects on molecules, cells, tissues, and organ systems. Students examine the biological responses to radiation exposure, including early and late effects, dose-response relationships, and factors influencing radiosensitivity. The course also covers radiation protection standards and regulatory guidelines, dose limits, and methods for minimizing radiation exposure to patients, personnel, and the public through the application of the ALARA principle. Additional topics include equipment design for radiation safety, monitoring of radiation exposure, and strategies for dose management and optimization in diagnostic imaging.

Credits

3

Prerequisite

RADT 238. Pre- or corequisite: PSYC 101

Corequisite

RADT 248

Hours Weekly

6 hours of theory per week for 7 weeks

A graduate should be able to

1. Explain the interaction of ionizing radiation with biological systems, including effects at the molecular, cellular, tissue, and organ levels.
2. Differentiate early and late radiation effects and analyze factors influencing radiosensitivity and dose-response relationships.
3. Analyze the biological effects of radiation exposure and relate these effects to clinical imaging practices and patient outcomes.
4. Apply radiation protection principles, including ALARA, to minimize radiation exposure to patients, personnel, and the public.
5. Explain radiation protection standards, dose limits, and regulatory guidelines governing the safe use of ionizing radiation.
6. Evaluate radiation safety practices, including shielding, beam restriction, and exposure monitoring, to ensure optimal dose management and compliance.

A graduate should be able to

1. Explain the interaction of ionizing radiation with biological systems, including effects at the molecular, cellular, tissue, and organ levels.

   Learning Activity Artifact

   • Other (please fill out box below)
   • Select questions from Radiation Biology and Protection final exam

   Procedure for Assessing Student Learning

   • Other (please fill out box below)
   • Course grading rubric

   Program Goal(s)

   Degree: Radiologic (X-Ray) Technology - A.A.S. Degree (Career)

   Practice as clinically competent entry-level technologists.

2. Differentiate early and late radiation effects and analyze factors influencing radiosensitivity and dose-response relationships.

   Learning Activity Artifact

   • Other (please fill out box below)
   • Select questions from Radiation Biology and Protection final exam

   Procedure for Assessing Student Learning

   • Other (please fill out box below)
   • Course grading rubric

   Program Goal(s)

   Degree: Radiologic (X-Ray) Technology - A.A.S. Degree (Career)

   Practice as clinically competent entry-level technologists.

3. Analyze the biological effects of radiation exposure and relate these effects to clinical imaging practices and patient outcomes.

   Learning Activity Artifact

   • Other (please fill out box below)
   • Select questions from Radiation Biology and Protection final exam

   Procedure for Assessing Student Learning

   • Other (please fill out box below)
   • Course grading rubric

   Program Goal(s)

   Degree: Radiologic (X-Ray) Technology - A.A.S. Degree (Career)

   Practice as clinically competent entry-level technologists.

4. Apply radiation protection principles, including ALARA, to minimize radiation exposure to patients, personnel, and the public.

   Learning Activity Artifact

   • Other (please fill out box below)
   • Select questions from Radiation Biology and Protection final exam

   Procedure for Assessing Student Learning

   • Other (please fill out box below)
   • Course grading rubric

   Program Goal(s)

   Degree: Radiologic (X-Ray) Technology - A.A.S. Degree (Career)

   Practice as clinically competent entry-level technologists.

5. Explain radiation protection standards, dose limits, and regulatory guidelines governing the safe use of ionizing radiation.

   Learning Activity Artifact

   • Other (please fill out box below)
   • Select questions from Radiation Biology and Protection final exam

   Procedure for Assessing Student Learning

   • Other (please fill out box below)
   • Course grading rubric

   Program Goal(s)

   Degree: Radiologic (X-Ray) Technology - A.A.S. Degree (Career)

   Practice as clinically competent entry-level technologists.

6. Evaluate radiation safety practices, including shielding, beam restriction, and exposure monitoring, to ensure optimal dose management and compliance.

   Procedure for Assessing Student Learning

   • Other (please fill out box below)
   • Radiation safety project grading rubric

   Program Goal(s)

   Degree: Radiologic (X-Ray) Technology - A.A.S. Degree (Career)

   Practice as clinically competent entry-level technologists.